Cristiano Ronaldo cited as West Ham told ‘they’ve got no place in the Premier League’ – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham and David Moyes may have “no place in the Premier League” if they cannot improve their sub-par pressing statistics.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, cited Cristiano Ronaldo – who has been banished at club and international level amid criticism over his lack of running.
As per a graph from markrstats on Twitter (via West Ham Central, 18 December), West Ham have recorded far and away the least intense pressing figures of any Premier League side so far this season.
Also notable is the sharp decline in the figures from last season – a campaign which saw the Irons register a seventh-place finish.
On average, West Ham have fielded the second-oldest side (27.6 years old) in the Premier League this season.
The Londoners sit just one point above the relegation zone, with David Moyes’ job under pressure heading into the fixture-packed festive schedule.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think the work off the ball is crucial.
“That’s just the way the game is played now. You’ve got to be winning the ball back inside the opponent’s half.
“Look at Erik ten Hag, look at Cristiano Ronaldo. One of the best footballers in the world has had to leave this league because he can’t do that side of the game anymore.
“You’ve got to put the kilometres in. The game has changed in the last 10 years, and running and pressing is now a vital part of football.
“It shows you how well-coached you are as a team unit. If you can keep that pressure on and move as one, then that’s the sign of a top side – and it wins you football matches.
“If West Ham and David Moyes can’t do that, then they’ve got no place in the Premier League.”
In other news, pundit backs West Ham to seal deal for “perfect” Vladimir Coufal replacement after latest.