Why West Ham must make a move for River Plate’s Gonzalo Montiel

Back 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 materialised during the January transfer window.

The Hammers have endured one of their worst seasons in the Premier League and are at the risk of getting relegated to the Championship. They are currently 16th in the league table, fighting tooth and nail to reach the magical 40-point mark as the campaign enters its business end.

The East London outfit have lacked consistency in both defensive and offensive units and the need for reinforcements has been highlighted throughout the season. One of the main reasons for their underwhelming displays throughout the 2019/20 campaign is the lack of stability at the back.

West Ham have been woeful at the back, conceding 49 goals in 28 games – the third-worst defensive record in the division. After a strong debut campaign, Issa Diop has failed to replicate his performances in defence. Diop’s poor performances coupled with Fabian Balbuena’s lack of consistent game time have hurt the Hammers severely.

Angelo Ogbonna has been the only bright spot in defence, but lack of a reliable partner for the Italian has seen the Hammers leak goals at a shocking rate. Irrespective of whether they stay in the Premier League or not, West Ham are in dire need of defensive reinforcements. In addition to signing a couple of central defenders, David Moyes should also address the right-back area.

Pablo Zabaleta turned 35 in January, which means he is entering the final stages of his career. The Argentine has made 10 Premier League appearances for the Hammers this season and is out of contract in June. Whether or not he gets an extension on 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. He is currently out injured and is not expected back for a while yet. In his absence, Moyes trusted Jeremy Ngakia at right-back against Liverpool at Anfield and he impressed, although West Ham were beaten 3-2 in the end.

As Ngakia is very young, Fredericks is injury prone and Zabaleta at the wrong end of 30, a right-back ahead of next season wouldn’t go amiss. That being said, West Ham must reignite 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 100 times for the club, winning five major honours at the Estadio Monumental – including the Copa Libertadores in 2018. The two-cap Argentina international has racked up two assists in 18 league appearances for River Plate this season.

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The 23-year-old is known for his versatility as he is capable of playing anywhere in defence. Versatility is a quality that is always beneficial to a team and West Ham would not be an exception. Plus, Montiel is at an age where he will surely go on to improve with experience.

Verdict

Montiel’s inclusion would add depth to the squad. He has been playing consistently well for River Plate over the last two seasons and can only get better by playing at a higher level. Therefore, West Ham must sign the Argentine defender this summer.