Murphy believes there is one type of player in one particular position the Hammers need to bring in.
Former midfielder Danny Murphy has written for the London Evening Standard that West Ham’s priority in January should be to bring in a striker who is not only good enough, but who will play alongside Andy Carroll.
The Hammers have struggled desperately for goals this season, a huge factor in their poor campaign thus far.
Only five teams have scored fewer than West Ham’s 19 goals from 17 Premier League games, and the club’s six first-team strikers have netted just three goals between them.
Attacking summer signings such as Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri have failed dismally, while Andre Ayew was the subject of an unfortunate serious injury soon after joining.
With Zaza and Calleri looking set to depart sooner rather than later, the need for the Hammers to bring in a striker of a higher calibre is universally acknowledged.
However, Murphy believes that West Ham need to sign not only a high-quality striker, but one who can partner up with Carroll and play to his strengths.
Murphy wrote for the Standard: “Maybe the answer is to look for a striker in the January window who can play alongside Carroll and run in behind defenders. That way, West Ham can cross from deeper positions and use Carroll to flick the ball into space.
“When Carroll is at his best, he is a great addition to any side and a handful for any defence, even though his fitness is unreliable, so it is time to find him a partner.
“The loan signing of Simone Zaza from Juventus has not worked and he seems certain to leave in January. As they try to climb the table, West Ham need to make sure his replacement can do a better job.”
The Hammers have already been linked with the likes of summer target Carlos Bacca and former star Jermain Defoe ahead of the January transfer window opening.
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