This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Manuel Lanzini is struggling for form and his manager may need to drop him in order to get the best out of him in the long-term.
On the chalkboard
The Argentine was left out by Manuel Pellegrini for the trip to Bournemouth, but leaving him on the bench for a run of games could serve as a warning side to the midfielder that he needs to step his game up.
He has faced a difficult time of late with several injuries hindering his game time, but his return of zero goals and two assists in eight appearances this term is simply not good enough if West Ham are to challenge for the European qualification places.
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With Pablo Fornals also struggling to adjust, the Chilean may have a difficult decision to make, but one player he could call upon is Jack Wilshere, and his return to the first-team is what some fans have called for.
Some fans have been frustrated with the 25-year-old’s decline and therefore a change in personnel would be welcome, particularly as Lanzini often struggles against well-organised teams like Sheffield United – with no key passes against Crystal Palace a few weeks ago.
Sending a message
Felipe Anderson is another who has struggled for form of late, and if Pellegrini shows a ruthlessness by dropping Lanzini it would show others in the squad that they need to up their game if they want to play.
Wilshere, who has 175 minutes of top flight under his belt this term, is starting to prove his fitness at the London Stadium, and he deserves a chance to show what he can do without the responsibility of covering in defence – as he can play in front of Declan Rice and Mark Noble.
He averaged a pass accuracy of 90% in the eight games he played last year, and has averaged 4.2 passes to the final third from the four matches he has started this campaign, which indicates that he can help to put the Hammers on the front foot.
In a more advanced role he is likely to improve on those stats, and if he can provide better support for Sebastien Haller than his teammate has managed, West Ham should begin to move in the right direction once again.
If managed right, Lanzini’s exclusion should reinvigorate his determination to impress, and lead to better performances when he does return, which can only help to serve the club well.
