(Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
LEFT-WINGER
Currently, the only natural left-winger in the team is Luis Boa Morte, who has never lived up to his transfer fee. He promised much with his arrival, but in reality, he has never put in a good performance since becoming a Hammer.
Junior Stanislas, Jack Collison and Savio Nsereko have also been used there this season. However, none of them are natural wingers, and besides, they are still young and relatively inexperienced, so they should be given time to improve themselves before being played in the first team regularly.
As such, I would suggest that West Ham attempt to sign Jonas Gutierrez. He loves to run with the ball down either wing, and has shown a tendency to cut in, and would be well-placed to do that on the left wing. The Argentine international would bring energy and flair to West Ham, qualities that Gianfranco Zola would definitely admire.
Once again, coming from a relegated club, Gutierrez would definitely be allowed to leave, as his wages are on the high side, and Newcastle aren't exactly rolling around in truckloads of cash.
Another suggestion for their problem left-wing area is Stephen Hunt from Reading. With manager Steve Coppell having left the Madejski Stadium, I expect to see quite a few players leaving Reading in the summer.
Hunt would be a good addition to West Ham, as they are a hardworking side that attack with flair, and Hunt definitely has the attributes to succeed there. He never stops running, and is able to come up with the occasional moment of quality to excite the fans. He would probably come a little cheaper than Jonas Gutierrez as well, although there is quite a clear gap in class.
So that's it - my suggestions for Zola next season. As an Arsenal fan, I can appreciate teams that like to pass the ball around with flair, and I hope whoever West Ham sign, they can continue playing with the same flair they did this season.
This article, and more, can also be found at thetipsters, a website set up by my friend Roland and I.
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