Declan Rice and Mark Noble have formed a formidable partnership in West Ham’s midfield for the past two seasons, due to their tactical flexibility capable of operating as either a lone pair or behind a trio attacking midfielders. But the partnership of the English duo is under threat as the Hammers are exploring the possibility of bringing in Gedson Fernandes on loan, with the option to buy in 18 months at the end of next season for £33m, according to reports from Sky Sports.
David Moyes broke the news in his press conference that the player could be arriving at the London Stadium and if he does Mark Noble, in particular, should be concerned. The 32-year-old is a West Ham legend having spent his whole career with the club, but his time at the top is coming to an end, and Fernandes could be in line to take his place alongside Rice.
However, in the meantime, the Hammers’ skipper should not be overly concerned as the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder is enduring a torrid season having reportedly fallen out with coach Bruno Lage. This term Fernandes is yet to find the back of the net or create an assist, while Noble scored a brace two matches ago in a 4-0 win over A.F.C Bournemouth.
Based on Fernandes’ performances last season the pair stack up similarly. In defence the Englishman can boast moderately better numbers for tackles and interceptions, but the difference is negligible. Nobel also executes more passes per game, with a slightly lower accuracy, but that may be due to the disparity in the divisions, rather than the 32-year-old’s ability. Furthermore, Noble is shooting with the same frequency as the 21-year-old but finding the net more often to show his superior clinical edge.
Moyes himself admitted that Fernandes is “a young player with potential, probably one for the future.” However, there is still the possibility he could seize his chance to disrupt the current midfield pairing. Even if Fernandes doesn’t start regularly this season, Noble’s position in the side will come increasingly under threat the longer Fernandes is at the London Stadium.
