Could former Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa mentor West Ham United’s Sam Byram?
West Ham’s Sam Byram
An on-going issue for West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has been the right hand side of his defence which has seen much deliberation as to who should start in the role.
Michail Antonio started the opening game of the season, however it didn’t take long for Eden Hazard to target his flaws, highlighting Antonio’s vulnerabilities when he’s deeper in the side. Sam Byram has been selected at right back since then, with it being the 22 year-old’s natural position. However despite being much more comfortable there than Antonio, Byram has at times let his inexperience get the better of him.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard in action with West Ham United’s Michail Antonio and Mark Noble
So could Deadline Day signing Alvaro Arbeloa be the man to enhance his performances?
The Spaniard’s time at Real Madrid was halted this summer meaning Bilic was able to sign the player on a free transfer, and with his 15 seasons of experience he could be the man to get the best out of Byram.
Arbeloa made his name in England during two and a half seasons at Liverpool with Rafael Benitez, making 66 appearances, so he certainly knows the demands and intensity of the Premier League.
After his stint on Merseyside he returned to Real Madrid where he has worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, which has seen him win two Champions League titles, one La Liga title, two Copa Del Reys and a Spanish Super Cup.
Picture Supplied by Action Images – Alvaro Arbeloa
Byram certainly has shown he is capable of potentially playing his way into being a mainstay in the West Ham side although it’s clearly evident that the former Leeds United man needs to improve on his game, such as his positioning, one on one defending and distribution.
With Arbeloa’s age at 33, he will certainly not be expecting to play every single game, meaning his relationship with Byram could be on a mentor basis. The former Madrid man has worked under more defensive minded managers than most in Mourinho, Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, so his experienced could be used to bring on Byram’s game.
West Ham’s Sam Byram prepares to take a throw in
A one year contract for the Spaniard means the club do not see him in their long term plans and rightly so, given his age although he could have a big role to play in developing the young full back.
Arbeloa was no Paulo Maldini, Franco Baresi or Cafu in how he defends, he certainly had his weaknesses like many, but his experience could help Byram become the right back for West Ham for years to come.
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