Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United is bracing for an exhilarating new Premier League season, set to kick off with an intriguing clash against Aston Villa this weekend. This year promises to be a transformative one for the Hammers, as they embark on their first campaign under a revamped tactical approach.
In preparation for the upcoming season, West Ham has bolstered their squad with an array of new talent. Among the fresh faces potentially making their debuts are Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez, Wes Foderingham, and Jean-Clair Todibo. Each player brings unique qualities that could significantly enhance the team’s performance.
However, the transfer window remains open, and the club might yet secure two additional defensive reinforcements. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is reportedly undergoing a medical to finalize his move from Manchester United. Moreover, there are ongoing discussions about another central defender, as Kurt Zouma’s potential departure looms over the team’s defensive plans.
Recent Italian reports have shed light on West Ham’s interest in Nathan Zeze, a promising 19-year-old defender from Nantes. Nantes has set an asking price of £30 million for Zeze, although this figure is believed to be negotiable. West Ham’s pursuit of Zeze is not without competition, as Inter Milan is also keen on the young talent. Nonetheless, it appears that Zeze is more likely to join an English club, given the current disparity in valuation between the interested parties.
Adding weight to these reports, insider ExWHUemployee has revealed via his Patreon that West Ham has indeed earmarked Zeze as a target for this transfer window. Zeze’s performances last season in Ligue 1, where he made 13 appearances and clocked over 1000 minutes of play, underscore his potential. He contributed to two clean sheets and demonstrated a level of defensive prowess that has caught the eye of scouts.
Comparing Zeze to Kurt Zouma reveals some intriguing insights. Zeze, standing at 6 feet 3 inches, has been lauded for his remarkable talent, a sentiment echoed by scout Jacek Kulig. Despite being only 19, Zeze’s physical attributes and defensive capabilities are impressive. In comparison to Zouma, Zeze has excelled in several key areas. For instance, Zeze won more aerial duels per 90 minutes than Leny Yoro, another highly regarded young defender, with 3.5 compared to Yoro’s 2.58.
A detailed comparison of their statistics highlights further distinctions:
– **Passes Attempted per 90 minutes:**
– Zeze: 42.2
– Zouma: 36.3
– **Progressive Passes per 90 minutes:**
– Zeze: 2.63
– Zouma: 1.55
– **Passes into Final Third per 90 minutes:**
– Zeze: 1.93
– Zouma: 1.63
– **Tackles per 90 minutes:**
– Zeze: 0.96
– Zouma: 0.76
– **Interceptions per 90 minutes:**
– Zeze: 1.05
– Zouma: 0.96
– **Blocks per 90 minutes:**
– Zeze: 1.05
– Zouma: 1.18
– **Aerial Duels Won per 90 minutes:**
– Zeze: 1.49
– Zouma: 1.89
– **Aerial Duels Won Percentage:**
– Zeze: 58.6%
– Zouma: 58.3%
Zeze’s composure on the ball contrasts with Zouma’s approach, reflecting a different style of play. The 19-year-old manages a higher number of passes, progressive passes, and passes into the final third, showcasing his willingness to advance play and break defensive lines. Defensively, Zeze’s superior aerial duel percentage demonstrates his capability in aerial battles, an area where Zouma has traditionally excelled in the Premier League.
One notable difference between the two defenders is their dominant foot. Zouma is right-footed, while Zeze is left-footed. This discrepancy could pose challenges, particularly since West Ham’s recent acquisitions, including Kilman and Nayef Aguerd, are also left-footed centre-backs. This could result in a shortage of right-footed options unless the team devises a strategy to effectively utilize their left-footed defenders, possibly employing a back three formation.
If West Ham can successfully integrate at least two of their left-footed centre-backs, the addition of Zeze could prove to be a shrewd move. His progressive passing abilities and potential for growth might offer a valuable upgrade over Zouma, aligning with the club’s strategic aspirations for the new season.
In conclusion, as West Ham continues to shape their squad, the potential signing of Nathan Zeze represents a compelling opportunity to enhance their defensive options and adapt to their new tactical framework. With the season rapidly approaching, the Hammers’ ability to finalize these moves and integrate their new players will be crucial in determining their success in the Premier League.
