Reinforcement Needed

The day following West Ham's disappointing collapse to Leicester City. London was on its normal routine as the people go about their day. Whilst there would be some disgruntled West Ham supporters in the city that is moody at their lost, it was nothing they couldn't handle.

As David Gold settled down in his office, he picked up the latest edition of the London News, looking to catch up on the latest happenings in the city. As he flipped through the pages, his attention was momentarily diverted by the ringing of his phone. He hesitated for a moment, considering whether to answer or let it go to voicemail, but ultimately curiosity got the better of him, and he reached for the phone.

"Hello?" Gold answered, his voice filled with a mixture of caution and intrigue.

"Mr. Gold, I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," Kai began, his tone respectful yet resolute. "I've been thoroughly assessing our team's needs, and I strongly believe that acquiring a quality Right-Back is crucial for our defensive stability and attacking potential. I have compiled a detailed report outlining potential targets and their suitability for our playing style."

Gold listened intently, the news article momentarily forgotten as Kai's words resonated with him. He respected Kai's passion and dedication, and it was evident that the young manager had put a lot of thought into his proposal.

"I see," Gold responded, his tone thoughtful. "I appreciate your initiative, Kai. Send me the report, and I'll take a look at it. We can discuss it further in the next few days. We need to make calculated decisions that benefit the team in the long run."

Kai sensed a glimmer of hope in Gold's response and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to present his ideas. The call concluded with both parties agreeing to reconvene and discuss the matter further.

As Gold hung up the phone, he returned his attention to the newspaper, but this time, his thoughts were elsewhere. The conversation with Kai had sparked his interest and opened his eyes to the team's needs. He realized that as an owner, he had a responsibility to support the manager's vision and make decisions that would ultimately benefit the club.

With renewed determination, Gold delved back into the newspaper, but his mind was filled with thoughts of the team's future and the potential acquisition of a new defender.

As David Gold continued reading the newspaper, still contemplating the conversation he had just had with Kai Chiu, his phone buzzed once again, indicating the arrival of a new message. Curiosity piqued, he unlocked his phone and opened the message, surprised to find an extensive list of potential right backs waiting for him.

The list was meticulously compiled, showcasing various players from different leagues, accompanied by detailed profiles highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility with West Ham's playing style. Gold was impressed by the thoroughness of the report and the effort Kai had put into the research.

As Gold scrolled through the list, he recognized some familiar names, while others were new to him. Each player was accompanied by statistics, performance analysis, and even video clips showcasing their skills on the field. It was evident that Kai had done his homework and was determined to provide Gold with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Max Aarons, a talented English right back from Norwich, had been attracting attention with his speed, defensive capabilities, and offensive contributions. Ben White, a versatile defender from Brighton, had shown great composure and adaptability in his performances. Takehiro Tomiyasu, a Japanese international, had impressed with his solid defensive skills and versatility to play across the backline.

Gold made a mental note to discuss these players in more detail with Kai, seeking the manager's insights into their suitability and availability. He was impressed by the breadth of Kai's knowledge and the depth of his analysis, recognizing that the young manager had indeed done his homework.

Gold picked up his phone and dialled to the club's scouting department. "Yes. It's me."

"I'll send you the list of targets Mr Kai Chiu wants. Do check the information is correct."

~~~

As Kai Chiu watched the West Ham United players train on the pitch, a sense of frustration brewed within him. The team's recent defensive struggles weighed heavily on his mind, and he found himself caught in an internal monologue, contemplating the leaky backline that had plagued their performances.

He couldn't help but reflect on the matches where defensive lapses had cost them crucial points. The vulnerabilities in their defense had become evident, leaving him concerned about the team's ability to withstand the challenges they would face in the upcoming season.

As Kai Chiu continued to observe the West Ham United players during their training session, his frustration deepened, stemming from the realization that his counterattacking philosophy left little room for error. Conceding the first goal in a match felt like a blow to his entire strategic approach.

His philosophy revolved around exploiting opposition mistakes and launching rapid counterattacks to catch them off guard. It required a solid defensive foundation, quick transitions, and lethal finishing in the attacking third. However, the moment West Ham conceded a goal, Kai's carefully crafted strategy seemed to crumble, and the pressure to mount a comeback mounted.

"The first goal against us feels like an insurmountable obstacle," Kai admitted to himself, a tinge of frustration evident in as reflected on Jamie Vardy's opening goal. "Our entire game plan relies on striking when the opposition least expects it. But when we're chasing the game, it becomes increasingly difficult to execute our strategy effectively."

He recognized that the pressure to score and equalize often led to an unbalanced approach, leaving them susceptible to further defensive vulnerabilities. The necessity to take risks to regain control of the match sometimes resulted in leaving gaps at the back, which the opposition could exploit.

As Kai Chiu wrestled with the challenges plaguing West Ham United's right defender position, it became a source of recurring nightmares for him. The persistent struggle to find a reliable and capable player for that role haunted his thoughts and kept him awake at night.

"The right defender position is becoming a nightmare." Kai confessed to himself, his frustration evident. "Our opponents often exploit that area, capitalizing on the defensive vulnerabilities and exposing our team's defensive shape."

It's true. Many of the goals West Ham had conceded this season all involved their weakness at their Right Defender position. It is thorn of Kai's team, a shortcoming that the opponents keeps exploiting.

He recognized the importance of a solid and reliable right defender, someone who could provide defensive stability while also contributing to the team's attacking play. However, finding such a player had proven to be a daunting task, with failed signings and unsuccessful attempts to rectify the issue.

"Without a dependable right defender, our defensive structure crumbles," Kai lamented, his voice filled with anguish. "It's a constant battle to maintain balance and plug the gaps on that side of the field. It's giving me sleepless nights, knowing that our opponents will continue to exploit this weakness."

Pablo Zabaleta is a capable Right Back in all honesty. His experience as composure would leave him as a seasoned veteran that is a master to defending his area. However, his ageing body is something that the defender couldn't ignore. His pace dwindled down and his agility is constantly declining year after year. Against quick and tricky wingers that make use of their speed, Zabaleta couldn't stop them.

Even if Zabaleta can anticipate what his opponent would do next, his body couldn't keep up with the speed of his thoughts. The veteran defender couldn't handle the physicality of the Premier League.

Ben Johnson is the other option at Right Back. The 19 Year Old has the athletic ability to match most Premier League wingers he must defend against. But Johnson is by no means defensively capable. Johnson is unreliable as a defender, and his inexperience would leave him making rash decisions that would be punished oppositions attackers.

There was also Ryan Fredericks, but injury issues constantly plagued the Right Back. Fredericks has the physicality and technical ability to contribute offensively and defensively, but Kai doesn't want to use a player that has only recently returned from his knee injury. In fact, Fredericks hadn't played for the team for months now as he had been recovering.

Shaking his head in frustration. There was just an unsatisfiable discontent as Kai realised the true extent of the issue at Right-Back.

The nightmares that plagued Kai's sleep were filled with images of opposing wingers exploiting the right side, bypassing defenders with ease and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. He would wake up in a cold sweat, consumed by the urgency to find a solution.

"I must find a player who can bring stability to our right defender position," Kai vowed, determination piercing through his frustrations. "Someone who can excel defensively, provide support in attack, and become the missing piece in our defensive puzzle."

The search for a suitable right defender intensified, with Kai leaving no stone unturned. He scoured through scouting reports, analyzed countless hours of footage, and used his knowledge from the future to identify potential targets. The weight of finding the right player weighed heavily on him, aware that the success of his team hinged on this crucial acquisition.

"I refuse to let this nightmare persist," Kai declared, a renewed sense of determination burning within him. "We will overcome this obstacle, and I will not rest until we find the player who can solidify our right defender position."

As the nights passed, Kai's determination grew stronger. He poured over potential transfer targets, engaged in intense discussions with the club's hierarchy, and explored all available options. He remained steadfast in his quest to bring an end to the nightmares and restore stability to West Ham United's right defender position.