The new West Ham United manager could do a lot worse than targeting the Sunderland man.
West Ham United manager David Moyes has a tough task ahead of him, getting the under-performing players he inherited from Slaven Bilic performing well over the second half of the season.
There is still plenty of time for Moyes to turn things around, but he will surely be given some support in January from the West Ham board, with key areas of the squad needing attention, specifically central defence and in midfield.
One player who could potentially do a job in either position is Jack Rodwell – a player Moyes knows well from their time together at Everton and one who needs a fresh start after falling out of favour at Sunderland.
Without a first-team appearance in the Black Cats’ last eight league games, Rodwell is too good to be overlooked by a club fighting Championship relegation, and he is far better than that situation suggests.
Now reinventing himself as a centre-back for Sunderland’s under-23s, Rodwell deserves another shot in the Premier League and, if anyone can get the best out of him, it is Moyes.
If West Ham need more quality at the back, Rodwell has the stature, the talent and the footballing brain to do a fine job there, while he could also replace the much-maligned Mark Noble further forward if required.
Moyes will have his own targets now he has his feet under the table at West Ham, but do not be surprised if he considers rescuing a player who is yet to fulfil his potential but still has time on his side.
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