OPINION
Patrice Evra’s reportedly imminent arrival at West Ham is something that should be celebrated by Hammers supporters, as his experience will prove vital in the second half of the season with them facing relegation.
Club insider ExWHUemployee claimed on Tuesday that the 36-year-old was set to join the club on a free transfer after he left Marseille in November following an incident with a fan.
Looks like we could be about to sign former Manchester United and French International Patrice Evra on a free transfer. He played under Moyes at United ?
— ExWHUEmployee (@ExWHUEmployee) February 6, 2018
Evra received a seven month ban from UEFA for kicking one of his own fans ahead of Marseille’s clash with Vitoria Guimaraes, which led to the French giants mutually, according to the BBC, ending his contract.
Even thought the left-back may have departed his last club in a cloud of controversy, Evra is more than capable of influencing West Ham’s season in a positive way.
It’s unlikely that the 36-year-old will be able to overtake Aaron Cresswell in the pecking order at the club, but he will provide significant cover for the 28-year-old.
Even though he won’t walk into the team, the defender’s experience will aid the squad in their fight against relegation from the Premier League.
Evra made 273 appearances for Manchester United in the league and even won five league titles with the English giants during his eight-year spell at the club.
West Ham may already have Pablo Zabaleta, who has racked up 255 Premier League appearances to date and has two league titles to his name, but Evra’s experience is a whole another ball game.
The French defender’s experience of consistently winning Premier League titles and working with Sir Alex Ferguson gives him a knowledge of the Premier League like no one else has at the club.
Javier Hernandez may have two Premier League titles from working with Ferguson at Manchester United, but he was never made captain like Evra was.
For a manager such as Ferguson to make you captain shows that you have the ability to not just lead, but impart your experience on other members of the squad.
Experience is vital in the Premier League especially when it comes to a relegation dogfight, and that exactly what West Ham find themselves in.
The Hammers despite sitting 12th are only three points clear of the relegation zone and David Moyes knows that every point is precious.
Moyes worked with Evra during his brief time in charge of Manchester United and no doubt knows how Evra can aid the Hammers’ relegation battle.
This is why supporters should celebrate his signing if it happens, as he could be crucial in securing the Hammers’ Premier League status for next season despite being in the twilight of his career.