John Motson suggested that West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini should utilise Pedro Obiang as Jack Wilshere and Mark Noble were bypassed in midfield during the defeat to Bournemouth.
The famous commentator claimed that due to the current midfield pairing the Hammers looked a bit fragile against the Cherries and that they needed a player like Obiang to be utilised in order address the problem area.
The 6ft 1in tall Hammers midfielder (Transfermarkt) is yet to feature this season and has been an unused substitute in both of his side’s league games so far.
“Good footballers that they are, Jack Wilshere and Mark Noble I thought were getting bypassed a little bit in the middle of the field,” said Motson on talkSPORT (Monday August 20, 14:50).
“I wonder if he (Pellegrini) might have to just adjust his formation or possibly bring in Obiang or a player with a bit more presence and height.
“I don’t know it just looked me like the Hammers were a bit fragile.”
OPINION
Clearly Pellegrini needs to do something to toughen up his midfield for the upcoming game against Arsenal as it’s hard to argue with Motson’s assessment that the Hammers’ midfield currently looks fragile. Wilshere put in a decent display against the Cherries especially when you consider his side slumped to a 2-1 defeat which means it’s Noble who should lose his place in the team. While Mr.West Ham has been a loyal servant to the club and is currently the captain, he looks like his best days are behind him. The Hammers need an energetic presence or someone who is physically imposing to help Wilshere win the midfield battle for his side and Noble doesn’t fit the bill. It may be harsh to bench the veteran but Pellegrini can’t afford to play favourites. The manager has given Noble and Wilshere two games to prove they can play together and clearly they can’t so he can’t risk fielding together for a third time in a row.