The Norwegian has played in a number of positions for the Hammers this season.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic speaks with Havard Nordtveit, Michail Antonio and Arthur Masuaku during the win over Bournemouth
West Ham United made some dud signings in the summer. Gokhan Tore, Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri – they got plenty wrong.
Another player that could be thrown in that bracket is Havard Nordtveit.
The Norwegian arrived on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, West Ham swatting away plenty of other interested parties to get their man.
But he has failed to have anything like a consistent impact at the club. Injuries have played a part, but he has also lived up to his tag as a utility player by playing in a number of positions, often poorly.
So speaking to the press in Norway this week he confirmed what position Slaven Bilic wanted to play him in from the beginning at the London Stadium.
Speaking to Romsdals Budstikke he stated:
“That’s why I was brought to West Ham by Slaven (Bilic), as a defensive midfielder to keep balance and control the game a little.”
West Bromwich Albion’s Nacer Chadli in action with West Ham United’s Havard Nordtveit
There is no doubt that the Norwegian’s preferred position is as the holding midfielder. But he has plenty of competition for the role – with Pedro Obiang, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble all ahead of him in any pecking order.
The 26-year-old now has a hard task on his hands convincing both Bilic and the West Ham fans he is worthy of regular football at the club.
If he gets a chance in his best position, he might be able to pull it off.
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