In a post-match analysis of West Ham’s defeat to Crystal Palace, Wayne Rooney highlighted several issues plaguing the team. He pointed out the problems in defending set-pieces, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring against the Hammers from a set-piece, showcasing the team’s weaknesses in this area. Rooney also emphasized the need for leadership and quality in the center of the park, mentioning that the team is missing players like Mark Noble and Declan Rice who can drive the team forward and provide on-field leadership.
Rooney suggested that West Ham should focus on building a clear and coherent plan, including consistent recruitment and developing a strong team identity, similar to what Brighton has achieved. He noted that the absence of a leader in midfield who can take control of games and motivate the team is a major issue for West Ham currently.
While Rooney acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player like Rice, who possesses a unique skill set, he criticized West Ham’s succession planning in midfield. He mentioned the signings of players like James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Andy Irving, and Kalvin Phillips as attempts to fill the void left by Rice. However, Rooney expressed concerns about the team’s midfield options and highlighted the need for players who can run, tackle, and pass effectively to provide the necessary foundation for success.
With new midfield additions like Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa, Rooney sees an opportunity for West Ham to address some of the deficiencies in their midfield. He suggested that starting Fernandes and Magassa together in the next match against Everton could offer a different dynamic and potentially improve the team’s performance in midfield. Rooney emphasized the importance of basic skills and contributions from all midfield players to enhance the team’s overall performance.
