The pair are arguably West Ham United’s most creative players.
West Ham United could welcome back Manuel Lanzini this weekend.
The attacking midfielder has been out for a month with a hamstring injury and that will be a boost for manager David Moyes ahead of the Hammers’ trip to Liverpool on Saturday.
In Lanzini’s absence, Joao Mario has deputised as West Ham’s new creative midfielder has started to settle and shown his class, so which one does Moyes start when both are available?
Lanzini was the man who stepped up when Dimitri Payet left West Ham last January and the Argentine has become one of the club’s most important players.
Both men want to play in the central attacking midfield role where they are most effective, so it may be difficult for Moyes to get them both on the pitch at the same time.
West Ham do have a shortage of central midfielders which may work in the Portuguese’s favour, as he can also play in a deeper role. A 4-4-1-1 could potentially work with Lanzini playing behind the striker, Mario alongside Mark Noble or Cheick Kouyate and Marko Arnautovic on the wing.
Time will tell whether they will both be able to perform to their maximum, but there are ways to fit them both in while also complimenting their other star players. If it works, West Ham could have something special on their hands.
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