In the past couple of seasons the biggest sides in the English Premier League have thrown millions at central defenders in a bid to become harder to breakdown.

In terms of getting in the right personnel those sides have brought in a mixed bag of quality and none of them look particularly solid at the back.

So why on earth did no side do more to persuade Winston Reid to leave West Ham United earlier in the year?

As the higher-performing teams seemed to stall on offering the New Zealander terms, the Hammers managed to tie the defender down to a new six and a half year contract which was signed in early March.

The fact that teams such as Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and the like could have signed the twenty-seven year old on a free transfer and didn’t is just bizarre to me.

Instead they’d prefer to spend vast amounts on players who haven’t proven themselves in the Premier League. Marcos Rojo, Eliaquim Mangala and Gabriel spring to mind. Not bad players by any means but they have been found wanting in some domestic fixtures since their arrivals.

But fair play to West Ham, they’ve managed to keep hold of a prized asset and he has continued to shine for them.

Much has been made of West Ham Utd’s start to the season, in particular their away form. Gaining three wins on the trot away from home in the Premier League is an extremely tough task in itself but to do it against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City seems almost impossible.

But that’s exactly what has happened this term for Slaven Bilic’s side. Importantly they have deserved those victories and plaudits too.

None more so that centre-back Reid, who has been in fantastic form.

Winston has that canny gift that all really good central defenders have… They always seem to be in the right place to snuff out any danger. He also throws his body into every challenge and in front of any shot.

Hammers boss Bilic was full of praise for his defender after the win over City:

“It was like a couple of twins on the pitch, like two Reid brothers. He was always at the right place, he was a leader at the back today – he was really good,” 

The fact he has also had to play with with three different central partners, yet remain consistent speaks wonders for Reid’s defensive abilities too.

Winston Reid was a rock at the back against Man City. He made the most clearances, made four interceptions and also won back possession nine times in that one game alone. For me, he was by far and away the stand-out player at the Etihad on Saturday night.

The centre-back has confidence in the tackle and in his pace, hence why he was detailed to keep tabs on Sergio Aguero. His concentration levels and his commitment for the cause are also fantastic and invaluable for the big games!

His aerial ability is also a plus going forward as we all saw in the Hammer’s second goal, when he was able to get free in the City penalty area and nod the ball on into a dangerous position.

West Ham purchased a bargain when they signed Reid for just £3m back in 2010. How no other side signed him up when his contract was running down is beyond me, as they too would have made a wonderful bargain signing.

But their loss has definitely been West Ham United’s gain. Now any potential suitors will have to look at parting with at least £30m to bring in Winston Reid as that seems to be the going rate for an accomplished defensive star in the Premier League these days.

Posted on September 21st, 2015 by scott
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