Alvaro Arbeloa has signed for West Ham, with Slaven Bilic explaining the move.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has told the club’s official website that he feels Alvaro Arbeloa was the perfect option for the club.
The Hammers joined in the deadline day chaos by snapping up just the one new signing, boosting their defensive options by landing experienced right back Alvaro Arbeloa.
Winger Michail Antonio had been tested at right back during the opening weeks of the season, but it became abundantly clear that he was more comfortable further up the pitch, whilst Sam Byram lacks Premier League experience having only arrived from Leeds United in January.
As a result, a veteran presence at right back was required – and West Ham landed it on deadline day with the signing of Arbeloa.
The 33-year-old brings bags of experience to the London Stadium, having made 66 Premier League appearances for Liverpool during a spell under Rafael Benitez, whilst his records with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team speak for themselves.
Spain’s Alvaro Arbeloa (L) and Xabi Alonso (R) celebrate winning the World Cup and kiss their medals
A two-time Champions League winner, Arbeloa has also won one La Liga title during his time with Real Madrid, as well as the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.
Having been at the pinnacle of the game, Arbeloa should be a dependable player for West Ham having signed a one-year deal on a free transfer, whilst his experience should be invaluable for a young player like Byram.
Having completed the deal, manager Bilic spoke to the club’s official website about Arbeloa’s arrival, stating that he was the ‘perfect option’ for the Hammers, but noted he was signed as a player, not just as a mentor to younger players.
Alvaro Arbeloa celebrates
“His CV is top of course,” said Bilic. “He was at Liverpool so he knows the Premier League. He had 10 years at Real Madrid and won everything. We were looking to strengthen that position, at least short-term and he was available and simply the perfect option what we needed.”
“We watched a lot of Real Madrid games like everybody else and he’s a great professional, a player of great experience and I’m sure he’s going to help us a lot. Make no mistake, he’s coming here as a player, not as a mentor, not as a coach,” he added.
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