Why West Ham must beat Newcastle for the signing of Diego Reyes
West Ham United and Newcastle United are interested in Porto defender Diego Reyes, whose contract with the Portuguese club expired this summer. The 25-year-old Mexican international is an experienced centre-back with qualities to be a vital addition to any squad.
Even though the Hammers have bought Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena to bolster their defensive unit, having Reyes will be a bonus which they require. Manager Manuel Pellegrini would be keen to get the Mexican because of his all-around capabilities as a centre-back.
Here’s why West Ham must beat Newcastle for signing the 25-year-old, who is touted to be an excellent defender in the years to come:
Player Analysis – Diego Reyes
Age – 25
Main Positions – Centre-back, Defensive midfield
Reyes is quite a sumptuous reader of the game where he can come up and make crucial interceptions to stop the opposition build-up, at an average of 1.9 per game. T
he 25-year-old’s height and physicality allow him to dominate the centre-forwards aerially, winning important headers at a rate of 2.3 in the league. He can command his area from crosses, which will be necessary if he arrives in England.
The Mexican also has an impeccable pass completion rate of 87%, epitomising his propensity to be a reliable player in possession. Furthermore, he can play in defensive midfield and man-mark a particular forward to halt any progress of the opposition.
So overall, he is an ideal player who has the potential to make a telling difference in the West Ham line-up. Reyes can play both as a no-nonsense defender and also exhibit his ball-playing skills to thread passes in midfield for an attack to start, in sync with Pellegrini’s expansive footballing system.
A perfect fit for the Hammers
Although the Hammers signed two new centre-backs and have the likes of Angelo Ogbonna in their ranks, Reyes can be a starter for them regardless. The Mexican has the all-around ability which might tempt Pellegrini to buy him and give him that first-choice role.
There should be no doubt in West Ham fans’ minds that he can be colossal for them at the back and solidify their somewhat edgy defence at times. Hence, the club should do everything to get the player before any potential suitor, namely Newcastle, come calling.
Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com