The West Ham United youngster could be a help if Slaven Bilic makes the call.
West Ham United’s defence has come in for plenty of criticism this season, with the Hammers conceding far too many goals and slipping into the bottom three as a result.
They have since climbed up the table, but only slightly, with a single point separating Slaven Bilic’s 17th-placed side with Sunderland, who are currently occupying the final relegation spot.
Given the Black Cats’ resurgence and West Ham’s capitulation at the hands of Arsenal last weekend, it would be no great surprise if the two swapped places in the coming days. But whatever happens, Bilic has a big January ahead of him.
While new signings are a must, both up front and in defence, there is also the option to recall a young player regarded by many as the next big thing at the London Stadium.
Reece Burke is a 20-year-old defender who is currently on loan at Wigan Athletic. However with West Ham continuing to struggle at the back, and with right-back in particular an ongoing concern, what chance Bilic putting his faith in the youngster?
Burke is a centre-back by trade but he is currently playing on the right for the Latics, and given West Ham’s problems they could do worse than bring him back early.
After all, would he really do any worse than the likes of Alvaro Arbeloa, who has rarely been seen since his arrival in the summer?
West Ham need players willing to fight for the shirt and fight for their futures, and in Burke they have both.
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