Why West Ham Are Right In Dropping Their Interest In Chris Smalling
The first season for West Ham at the London Olympic Stadium did not go as planned as they failed to finish in the top half of the table. But Slaven Bilic has some quality players at his disposal and will hope to fight for a place in Europe next season. However, he will have to add some more players to his starting lineup to help them compete in the top flight.
This has seen them get linked with some of the brightest stars in England and one player who was recently linked with a move to West Ham is Manchester United star Chris Smalling. With Jose Mourinho completing the signing of Victor Lindelof, he is ready to let the 28-year old go this summer and certain reports suggested that Bilic was looking at him as an option this summer.
However, the Daily Star report that West Ham have ended their interest in the English star and are ready to look elsewhere. So is it the right decision by Bilic?
An experienced player who has won a number of trophies at Old Trafford since his move to the club back in 2010, Smalling grew into one of the most dependable defenders in the country and earned a place in the national setup. However, in the last couple of years, he has shown a weakness against quick attackers and has let United down, time and again.
He will find no place at Old Trafford under Mourinho but at 28, he is a decent option for other clubs in the league. However, the Hammers already have Jose Fonte and Winston Reid, who are expected to be first choice next season, backed up by Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins, both of who are reliable.
Bilic uses a 3-man defensive system and might want more cover to his backline but Smalling is just not the right player for this role. With loads of experience already at their disposal, West Ham need a young and an upcoming defender who is ready to learn and act as the first choice in years to come.
They need a player who will improve in the future and Smalling just does not fit the bill. He may have his best years ahead of him but is also not going to stay for too long and if Bilic wants to build a team for the future, he should avoid spending on the Manchester United star this summer.