‘Leaders’ in and around West Ham have been in short supply this season. After the departure of Zouma, Cresswell, Antonio, Coufal and Fabianski- all leaders by example both on the pitch and in the dressing room, there has been a dearth of experienced players for the influx of new transfers and young academy players to look to for advice.
Which goes a long way to explain the Irons’ rudderless form on the pitch. This isn’t t be critical of Bowen’s captaincy – his work ethic and input is exemplary – but the shortage of other, senior, vocal senior players to back him up is critical. Back in 2024 when Lopetegui started his calamitous nine month tenure, former skipper Nigel Reo-Coker noticed how quiet the dressing room was. You can bet it’s even more subdued now.
Eric Dier worked under Nuno at Tottenham and his words (reported by londonworld.com today) make it very plain that he thinks very highly of the Portuguese head coach and, were he to join West Ham, would be a strong advocate for Espírito Santo in the dressing room and out on the park.
As the report states:
“Dier was outspoken with his love for Nuno while the manager was at Spurs. After a 2-1 comeback win over Aston “Villa in October 2021, the defender called on players to get behind the boss in words that could be easily applied to the struggle ahead of West Ham this season.”
Dier’s own words back in 2021 made it clear where he stood:
“100 per cent we believe [in the manager’s plan]. We have to keep calm. We had a tough couple of weeks under difficult circumstances..as players we have to perform and there are some levels you can’t drop below and we definitely did last weekend and that has nothing to do with the manager.”
So you can understand entirely why Nuno may be so set on bringing Dyer to West Ham – not just to be a Max Kilman upgrade – but to be his vocal, defensive Lieutenant on the pitch.