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Top 5 players West Ham must upgrade for Champions League football

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Andy Carroll (2nd L) of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team's second goal with his team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on March 19, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Andy Carroll (2nd L) of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team's second goal with his team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on March 19, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: West Ham manager Slaven Bilic gives instructions to James Collins of West Ham United during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at Boleyn Ground in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: West Ham manager Slaven Bilic gives instructions to James Collins of West Ham United during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at Boleyn Ground in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

4. James Collins

This one stings me to write just a little bit. I admire the warrior spirit of James Collins even as a fan of another club. The sad truth is that West Ham can’t afford to count on him to starter at centre-back if they want to achieve Champions League glory.

The tough Welsh defender is going to be 33 next year, and it’s likely that his performance is going to start to decline. That doesn’t mean he won’t be serviceable for the Hammers next year, but they’re going to need to administer him in small doses.

He’ll be an excellent player to employ in tough, grueling Premier League matches, but I wouldn’t fancy trotting him out there against a high-finesse European side. Against a truly elite team, his lack of pace could really come back to hurt his club.

Similar to Obiang, West Ham should be looking for a player in Collins’ position to do just a little more for the club. He’s a terrific throwback defender, but he really struggles to distribute the fall from the back on a consistent basis. They should be looking for a more skilled defender to occupy his place in the rotation.

It pains me to say it, but James Collins must accept a lesser role for West Ham if they are going to progress to a Champions League level.

Next: 3. Victor Moses

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