West Ham may have just signed ‘next Modric’ after Moyes scouting reveal – pundit
New West Ham signing Nikola Vlasic could be the next Luka Modric.
So says ex-Milwall striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the Hammers’ confirmed the capture of Vlasic on 31 August.
This site revealed the previous day that West Ham had agreed personal terms and were in talks over a deal worth £26millon plus add-ons for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder.
Speaking to West Ham’s media team, David Moyes admitted he has “watched him improve in recent seasons” and expects “more to come.”
Vlasic notched an impressive 33 goals and 21 assists in 101 matches for his former club CSKA Moscow.
And Whelan claims that the 28-cap Croatia international could be as successful as his countryman, ex-Tottenham playmaker Modric.
“You are always taking a big risk bringing new players into your club,” he told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“But if he is anywhere near as successful as Modric coming to the Premier League, you have got a great player there.
“He could be that player for four or five years and be the next Modric, a fantastic signing for them.
“Sometimes it might work, sometimes it might not. Jesse Lingard worked, he clicked straight away.
“But top quality players like Vlasic shouldn’t take long to settle in, especially with the exciting way that West Ham play.
“He knows all about playing in Europe so the experience is there, as is the quality. If anyone can get the best out of a player, it’s David Moyes.”
In other news, Rob Newman to join West Ham on 22 September after deal agreed.