2.1 tackles, 1.5 clearances – West Ham signing this Argentine defender would be the right move

published

by

Rohan Sengupta

Why West Ham should plot a summer swoop for Gabriel Montiel

In January, TyC Sports (h/t The Daily Star) had claimed that West Ham United were interested in signing River Plate right-back Gonzalo Montiel. However, no deal materialized during the January transfer window.

The Hammers have been woeful at the back this season, conceding 43 goals in 25 games – the third-worst defensive record in the division. They are reeling in the relegation zone despite bringing in Darren Randolph, Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen in January.

Nevertheless, irrespective of whether they stay in the Premier League or not, West Ham are in dire need of defensive reinforcements. In addition to signing central defenders, the Hammers boss should also address the right-back area.

Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate drives the ball during a match between River Plate and San Lorenzo as part of Superliga 2019/20 at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on December 08, 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Getty Images)
Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate drives the ball during a match between River Plate and San Lorenzo as part of Superliga 2019/20 at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on December 08, 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Getty Images)

Pablo Zabaleta turned 35 last month, which means he is entering the twilight of his career. He has made nine Premier League appearances for the Hammers this season and is out of contract in June. Whether or not the former Argentina international gets an extension to his contract remains to be seen.

Ryan Fredericks, meanwhile, has struggled to cement his position at right-back since arriving at the London Stadium on a free transfer from Fulham in 2018. To put things into perspective, neither Fredericks nor Zabaleta have performed consistently this season, thus making it a priority for the manager to sign a new right-back in the next transfer window. Having said that, the east Londoners must rekindle their interest in Gonzalo Montiel.

Montiel, 23, has established himself as a key figure in Marcelo Gallardo’s side after coming through the River academy. The versatile defender has since played 85 times for the club, winning five major honours at the Estadio Monumental – including the Copa Libertadores in 2018. The Argentinean has had a solid 2019/20 season for River Plate, assisting one in 15 league games.

As per WhoScored, Montiel has averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 clearances and 1.5 successful aerial duels per game.

He has only been dribbled past an average of 0.8 times per match. Zabaleta, on the other hand, he has averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.7 clearances and 0.8 successful aerial duels per game. The West Ham defender has only been dribbled past an average of 0.7 times per match. [Courtesy: WhoScored]

West Ham defender Pablo Zabaleta smiles during a training session. (Getty Images)
West Ham defender Pablo Zabaleta smiles during a training session. (Getty Images)

Read More

Though Zabaleta has better numbers in certain areas, it has to be noted that he has played lesser than Montiel. Although not an instant upgrade on Zabaleta (in terms of statistics), Montiel would be a good option to add strength to the right-back position and throw a better challenge to Fredericks.

Verdict

Zabaleta has done a decent job at West Ham but at the age of 35, he is not a long-term solution at right-back for the club. On the contrary, Montiel is 23 and has many more years left in him than his fellow compatriot.

Irrespective of the aforementioned numbers, this is one good reason why Moyes and co. must consider signing the Argentinean right-back from River Plate.