**_Sky Sports_ pundit Paul Merson believes Chelsea defender Axel Disasi will be a “good signing” for West Ham if the Hammers play to his strengths.**
The Frenchman isn’t a particularly great passer, and Merson says head coach Nuno Espirito Santo must not ask him to start attacks or he could be in trouble:
“I think it’s a good move, I do think it’s a good move. As long as they (West Ham) don’t play out from the back. He’s not going to play out from the back. He’s not one of them who’s going to, but if you ask him to defend, he will defend.”
“Yeah, he’s a defender, an out-and-out defender. He’s quick, he’s strong. And I’ve heard from people at Chelsea when I’ve been there, his attitude’s been good. Do you know what I mean? So I’m glad he’s going to get a move.”
“I don’t want him to be the player that comes in and everybody’s giving him the ball and he’s got to play out with it. I think then he’s going to be in a bit of trouble. But if you want someone to defend and, you know, put their body on the line, good signing.”
Disasi will dominate his own box
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The centre-back is at his best when clearing his lines, either by heading crosses away or intercepting passes into the penalty area.
That decisiveness should come in handy, considering West Ham have struggled to keep clean sheets. Poor defending cost them against Disasi’s parent club, Chelsea, last weekend.
Should West Ham have concerns about his commitment?
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While Disasi has the attributes to improve the Irons’ backline, there are some question marks about why it took him so long to decide on a switch to the London Stadium.
The London club had been waiting for him to make a decision on a move for quite some time. He had flirted with joining AC Milan, but the Rossoneri ultimately [**opted against**](https://hammersheadlines.com/west-ham-transfer-news-axel-disasi-4/) signing him.
It is hoped that Disasi’s hesitation was simply down to him making sure he was joining the right team. After all, he has not played any competitive football since last season, having been frozen out at Stamford Bridge.
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