In the January transfer window, the club completed the triple loan signings of Serie A stars Marco Borriello (Roma), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan) and Pablo Armero (Napoli). It is fair to say that, to date, none of the three loanees have been an unqualified success. The most disappointing signing is undoubtedly Borriello, by virtue of his appearances being severely limited by injury. While Armero has taken time to break in to the first team and is only now starting to appear on a regular basis. Finally, we have Nocerino, who has made the most first team of appearances of the three. However, the majority of these have been from the substitutes bench and this has made it difficult for the Italian international to both climatise to the English Premier League and achieve a level of match fitness and form. The exception being his recent start in the 3-1 away defeat to Arsenal, where he started in midfield, was instrumental in creating the West Ham goal and put in a good performance.
It is hard to assess Borriello due to his lack of first team appearances. And with his continuing injury problems, it is looking increasingly likely that Borriello will not be offered a West Ham contract at the end of the season. Armero’s initial time at the club was curious because, although we heard good reports of his performance in training, he did not make an immediate first team debut. More recently, he has achieved a breakthrough and looked comfortable in the first team. In particular, Armero has looked good going forward, down the left flank. There have, however, been question marks whether he is equally as proficient at the defensive aspect of the game. As demonstrated by the totally unnecessary penalty that he conceded against Palace. There is a suspicion that he is more suited to a wing-back role, as opposed to being deployed as a conventional full-back. Although admittedly that proposition needs to be tested further.
Then we come to Antonio Nocerino. Many commentators felt that Nocerino was West Ham’s best player, in the Arsenal match, and that it boded well for another start against Crystal Palace, the following Saturday. Yet, to the surprise of many, Nocerino was omitted from the side and found himself back on the substitutes bench. It is clear that Nocerino has ability, demonstrated by his credentials as an established Italian international and a player with notable Champions League experience. We saw a glimpse of his ability against Arsenal, the question is can he bring something new to the West Ham squad that might merit a deal?
With talk of West Ham making at least seven new signings in the summer, it is likely to be a busy transfer window. The question is whether any of our three Serie A loanees can earn themselves a permanent deal? At this juncture, one can fairly safely predict that the club will not take up the option of signing Borriello. So, its largely a question of whether deals will be struck for either Armero or Nocerino? Of these, I feel that Armero offers something different and could be an asset next season. Certainly, the speculation is that the club are impressed with the Columbian international and are intending to sign the player from Napoli. The situation with regard to Nocerino is somewhat less clear. He has stated that he would like a move to the club, but has he really had sufficient opportunity to stake a claim? Probably not.
So, my assessment is that there is a greater possibility that Armero will sign a permanent deal. However, Nocerino still has more to prove to clinch a move. Hopefully, Sam Allardyce will give Nocerino an opportunity to show just what he can do in the final three games of the season.
SJ. Chandos.