West Ham news: David Moyes decision is ‘taking its toll’ on star players – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted a lack of squad rotation will “take its toll” on the West Ham squad.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Hammers’ top stars are currently unable to give “100% quality” in every game.
Moyes made just two changes as his side lost 1-0 against Sevilla in the Europa League last night (10 March).
The Hammers face a near 60-hour turnaround ahead of a London Stadium showdown against Aston Villa on Sunday (13 March).
When asked about the impact of West Ham’s European adventure, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge: “There’s no doubt that it’s going to take its toll.
“When they have injuries to the squad, the intensity in that setup means the other players in the squad have to work even harder.
“Especially when you’re fighting on two fronts. You’ve got that added factor of travelling throughout Europe as well, which can really take it out of you.
“Every bit of travel you do and every game you play is taking its toll, and leads to missing players. That, in turn, means you can’t give that 100% quality in every game.
“These are the really difficult times now where David Moyes will wish he had a bigger squad to lean on.
“They can’t do what Chelsea or Man City have done in the transfer market. That’s why those teams will always have fresher legs on a Saturday afternoon in the league.”
West Ham failed to make a signing during the January window despite glaring deficiencies in their squad depth – notably in the striker and central midfield positions.
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues Daniel Kretinsky verdict as West Ham asset freeze mooted.