The Irons fumbled the bag on a star who earned a valuation of £80m
West Ham United have enjoyed an amazing rise in recent years, with the appointment of David Moyes (second) manager demonstrating mastery of the brilliant success of the project, capped by a 2-1 victory in June. defeated Fiorentina of Italy in the final of the European Conference.
When the Scot took over in 2019, the Hammers were in disarray and in danger of losing their coveted Premier League spot, one point above the relegation zone before the turn of the year and a team clearly lacking confidence and direction. . But if the West Ham faithful thought his hard-working approach to management would end the malaise, they were sorely mistaken. Yes, Moyes has carefully constructed an outfit that will not only escape the danger of the relegation zone, but meet the expectations of the fan base and secure three consecutive European campaigns – the third and current adventure thanks to winning Conference League silverware.
At the heart of the action was homegrown prodigy and all-round midfield sensation Declan Rice, and it’s no coincidence that his rise coincides with that of his former team. What has Declan Rice achieved at West Ham? After making 245 appearances for West Ham, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists, Rice earned a £105 million move to division rivals Arsenal in July, a record for a British player. Reporter Rob Blanchette was called “a force of nature.” Rice has given the Hammers the energy, confidence and technical quality to turbocharge the midfield, acting as a relentless engine for everyone under Moyes’ wing.
According to FBref, the £240,000-a-week gem is also in the top 20% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues last year for passes, assists, assists, assists and interceptions in 90 places – which shows the level. all over her amidships. Although the 6ft 2 midfielder is now earning a wage at the Emirates Stadium with the Gunners, he will always be remembered for his starring role in the most prosperous period in West Ham’s modern history. It’s hard to imagine, but this world-class midfielder could have seen his influence fade in recent years, as one N’Golo Kante would have signed for the club almost eight years ago.
Did West Ham almost sign N’Golo Kante? In 2015, West Ham were rumored to be interested in Kante, a dynamic and energetic midfielder from Ligue 1 side Caens, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Frenchman, who has been compared to Chelsea legend Claude Makalele, was being considered as an option. To Alex Song. Song’s move, notably from Arsenal and Barcelona, was reportedly in danger of falling apart when the Cameroonian midfielder spent 2014/15 on loan at Upton Park, although he eventually signed a second season-long loan deal, making just 12 appearances. external aspects. in the campaign for the wounded. Kante was thought to be available for just £5m and West Ham are really kicking themselves to this day after Leicester City secured his signature for £5.5m this summer. No one knew the name then, but you did. Kante was key in the middle of the pitch as the Foxes likely won the Premier League, heralded as the signing of the season and hailed by Arsene Wenger for his “incredible quality”.
How good was N’Golo Kante? After that dream debut year on England’s shores, Kante earned a £30m move to Chelsea, where he remained until last summer when he joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad on a free transfer after seven years. Stamford Bridge.
Hailed by former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas for his “magic” on the pitch, the 32-year-old World Cup winner was one of the best Premier League midfielders of his generation. Everyone wanted a piece, and while Serie A giants Inter Milan were interested in the star in 2020, Chelsea slapped £80m on him to ditch interest in 2020 – a fee which, while arguably justified, was too expensive. . for the Italian national team.
While Rice is still early in his career, Kante is the better midfielder on current evidence and it’s really hard to think that West Ham could possibly boast a taller machine than the 24-year-old. in coveted light for many, many years in East London. West Ham are unlikely to bemoan the fact that Rice moved to the club, not Kante, given the huge success he has achieved in recent years, but the idea of the French midfielder joining the club and securing a starting role. the place in the midfield is mouthwatering. – watering to say the least. Especially when you consider the incredible championship that Leicester captured with a machine in the middle.
Had Kante earned a place in the centre, he could have secured success even surpassing the heights reached by Moyes, perhaps even forming an unbreakable link with Rice for the England international for the first time since. 2016/17 campaign stage. That delightful blend of precocious and established world-class credentials would have made a lethal combination – one that would probably have been enough to form the core of a Champions League race or perhaps even spark a Premier League title.
West Ham may be enjoying the riches now, but imagine what Kante could have done if his skills had been improved before his move to Leicester.
