West Ham United 21/22 Season Review: A Fast Start Loses Pace

End of Season Team Awards: 

Player of the Season: Declan Rice

The first name on West Ham’s teamsheet, and increasingly for England too, Rice (23) is already one of the world’s best midfielders, and clearly the main man at the London Stadium.

While he was already a league-leading defensive presence, Rice’s attacking play this season was phenomenal, capped by breathtaking solo goals in crucial moments in the FA Cup and in Europe. The Englishman is a real leader, and for that too he is the clear player of the season. On the field, he wears the armband, and is set to become club captain off it too, should he remain in East London.

Flop of the Season: Nikola Vlasic

While Alex Kral’s perplexing time in East London warrants a mention, Nikola Vlasic’s failure to meet the hype marks him out as the clear flop of the season. In a transfer window in which manager David Moyes chose to spend on quality not quantity for his playing squad, Vlasic was the most expensive signing at over 30 million pounds.

The Croatian was signed following a breakout two years in Russia and expected to fill the sizeable hole left by Jesse Lingard. Unfortunately, as with his time at Everton, Vlasic never quite got going and spent the majority of his time on the bench.

Most Improved Player: Jarrod Bowen

Arguably West Ham’s co-MVP this season with Rice, Jarrod Bowen now joins his club teammate in international colours after a real breakout season where he announced himself as one of the league’s very best.

The former Hull man enjoyed a terrific, consistent campaign, finishing the season on double figures for both goals and assists. He was the top scorer with 18 goals across all competitions, and in fact, was the Englishman with the second most goal involvements in the league, behind only Harry Kane.

Unsung Hero: Craig Dawson

Dawson was once written off as Watford’s worst centre back; less than 2 years later, he was undeniably the leader in defence for Europa League semi-finalists.

The towering Englishman was a menace in the air, and a no-nonsense tough tackler, who stepped up at a time of crisis to lead the backline admirably. He arguably saved his best performances for Europe, for which he earned nicknames like “Dawsonaldo” and “Virgil van Dawson” from an adoring fanbase.

West Ham United’s Signing of the Season: Kurt Zouma

As mentioned, David Moyes chose not to bring too many new players in but chose to splurge significant cash on Champions League winner Zouma.

The French international immediately showed his class, and flashes of real solidity, if not brilliance when playing, but was plagued by injuries on the field and controversy off it. Nevertheless, with such little competition, he is perhaps the only real contender for the signing of the season.