West Ham are back in Europe, but now the goal is to take them further.
Hammers fans have been without a trophy since their Intertoto Cup win back in 2000, so the trophy cabinet is getting a little dusty!
In FIFA 23 Career Mode, you will be challenged with changing fortunes in East London and bringing some silverware to the London Stadium.
Team Rating
West Ham has a 4.5-star rating in FIFA 23, with an 80 OVR.
The breakdown of the ratings is as follows: ATT 79, MID 80, DEF 78.
Starting Lineup and Formation
West Ham's default formation is a 4-2-3-1, and we would keep this shape as it offers balance in both attack and defence.
Lukasz Fabianski (OVR 82) is the number one, although French international Alphonse Areola (OVR 81) may soon take his spot.
Vladimir Coufal (OVR 80) and Aaron Cresswell (OVR 78) are two proven full-backs, although a lack of pace is noticeable.
Kurt Zouma (OVR 80) and new signing Nayef Aguerd (OVR 80) will be a solid centre-back pairing, while also offering right and left-footed balance.
Captain and star player Declan Rice (OVR 84) will be the first name on the team sheet, and giant Czech Republic skipper Tomas Soucek (OVR 81) joins him in midfield.
England World Cup hopeful Jarrod Bowen (OVR 80) will start on the right of midfield, with record signing Lucas Paqueta (OVR 82) given a free rein in CAM.
There are several options for the left wing, with the tricky Said Benrahma (OVR 78), hardworking Pablo Fornals (OVR 79), or pacey Maxwel Cornet (OVR 78).
Another summer signing starts up front, with 6'5" Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca (OVR 80) leading the line.
The likes of Michail Antonio (OVR 79), Manuel Lanzini (OVR 79), and Emerson (OVR 77) provide proven Premier League quality from the bench.
Tactics and Instructions
West Ham play with a low block under David Moyes, looking to soak up pressure and spring forward on the counterattack.
To help maintain a solid defence, we would change Cresswell's instructions to Balanced.
We would also set Scamacca to Stay Central to ensure he occupies the centre-backs, allowing more space for the creators behind him.
Paqueta should be allowed to Free Roam to give him as much of the ball as possible.
Development Plans
You will be taking charge of a well-balanced squad, although two players have the attributes that make them more suitable for an alternative position.
Pablo Fornals suits a CM role, while Tomas Soucek's lower technical attributes mean he could make a transition to CB.
Transfer Market
Starting budget: £63 million
Who should go?
There are not many players surplus to requirements in West Ham's squad, with just four players we would look to sell straight away.
The players we would transfer list are:
- Darren Randolph (OVR 73)
- Conor Coventry (OVR 66)
- Divin Mubama (OVR 56)
- Freddie Potts (OVR 56)
The sale of these players may bring in an extra £2 million to the club's transfer budget.
Pace is lacking in the squad though, so it may be a case of one in, one out at left-back and for one of the wingers.
Loans
Pierre Ekwah Elimby (OVR 59) and Harrison Ashby (OVR 62) should be sent out on loan in the first season.
Of the players already out on loan, Nikola Vlasic (OVR 78), Armstrong Okoflex (OVR 62), and Ademipo Odubeko (OVR 61) are worth keeping an eye on for the future.
The other five players currently out on loan can be sold upon their return, possibly bringing in up to £10 million.
Who to Sign
As mentioned already West Ham needs some pace in their squad, with left-back an area that needs strengthening.
While top left-backs Alphonso Davies and Theo Hernandez may be out of range, Benfica's Grimaldo (OVR 82) and Leonardo Spinazzola (OVR 82) are great options.
Solid defensively and offering pace going forward, these left-backs can add a new dimension at both ends of the pitch.
We would opt for Spinazzola for his versatility and extra physicality.
Transfer Targets (LB/LWB)
Player | Age | Club | Cost | Wage | OVR | POT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grimaldo | 26 | Benfica | £28m | £16k | 82 | 83 |
Leonardo Spinazzola | 29 | Roma | £23m | £66k | 82 | 82 |
David Raum | 24 | RB Leipzig | £30m | £42k | 81 | 85 |
Nuno Mendes | 20 | PSG | £38m | £46k | 80 | 88 |
Alex Moreno | 29 | Real Betis | £16m | £25k | 80 | 80 |
Alfonso Espino | 30 | Cadiz | £10m | £26k | 78 | 78 |
You will want to add some extra pace in attack too, so bringing in a rapid winger will give your forward line a handy boost.
There is a reasonable transfer budget at West Ham, so you can look to splash the cash for a new winger.
Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele (OVR 83) could prove slightly too expensive, so Benfica's Rafa (OVR 82) could be an astute purchase.
In the Premier League, Wilfried Zaha, Allain Saint-Maximin, Leon Bailey, and Adama Traore are all explosive options too.
Transfer Targets (RM/LM/RW/LW)
Player | Age | Club | Cost | Wage | OVR | POT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ousmane Dembele | 25 | Barcelona | £41m | £155k | 83 | 86 |
Rafa | 29 | Benfica | £26m | £21k | 82 | 82 |
Wilfried Zaha | 29 | Crystal Palace | £26m | £73k | 82 | 82 |
Hirving Lozano | 26 | Napoli | £24m | £59k | 81 | 81 |
Allan Saint-Maximin | 25 | Newcastle | £28m | £82k | 81 | 83 |
Leon Bailey | 24 | Aston Villa | £25m | £66k | 80 | 83 |
Adama Traore | 26 | Wolves | £18m | £77k | 79 | 80 |
Board Expectations
West Ham's board has placed a Medium priority on both Domestic Success and Continental Success, although winning the Europa Conference League should be achievable.
There is also Medium priority for your Financial targets and Youth Development too, so pleasing the board should be relatively straightforward.
Brand Exposure is of High priority, so this is where the emphasis lies during your tenure.
A strong home record and the signing of some Crucial first-team players will likely be required.