Pardew excited by Mullins
West Ham boss Alan Pardew believes Hayden Mullins’ clash with Steven Gerrard will be the key to getting a result against Liverpool at Anfield.
While Hammers midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has been identified as Gerrard’s eventual successor for England, Pardew has hailed the importance of Mullins protecting the defence.
Mullins, 26, allows England Under-21 skipper Reo-Coker to surge forward and attack, although his manager has also been impressed with the passing range of his holding midfielder.
Pardew said: “In all honesty, Hayden Mullins has been our best midfielder player.
“Nigel Reo-Cocker is a fantastic player and there is obviously the connection between a young England player coming through in Nigel and an established English international like Gerrard.
“But the clash of the day will probably be Hayden Mullins versus Steven because Hayden will probably have the job of looking after him. That will be an interesting battle, one that could hold the key to the game.”
Mullins’ nickname with his Hammers team-mates is “Casual” because of his laid back approach.
However, Pardew has also been impressed with the urgency his player shows to start attacks, form that has kept Christian Dailly out of the side.
“He’s very important, you look at the players that sit in front of the defence and say ‘they are of a type’,” Pardew added.
“They’re a defensive midfield player, or they are a building midfield player like Michael Carrick was for us when he was here – orchestrating play but not so strong defensively.
“Hayden Mullins has a balance between the two which few players have. Fair play to him, he’s really playing at a high level.
“The only problem I had with Hayden is that he plays within himself. He’s such an amicable character that you want to push him on, inspire him.
“He’s relishing this at the moment, he’s enjoying his football and that’s coming through in his play. You could put him in any Premiership side at the moment and the manager would be very pleased with him.”
Mullins admits he has to be disciplined in his position but tries to be positive when he receives the ball.
“Everyone would love to be on the ball and create, I’m no different,” Mullins said.
“When I get the ball hopefully I can use it well and try to set up goals. My main thing is to protect the back four but when I get the ball I have to go forward too and impress that way. I’m trying to bring both assets into my game.”
Although England could use a holding midfielder for the World Cup next summer, Mullins has not been mentioned as a possible candidate.
Mullins, though, believes West Ham players could become full internationals if they continue the form which has taken them to ninth before the Anfield clash.
The former Crystal Palace player is also looking forward to meeting Gerrard, with the England international only just returned from injury.
Mullins said: “The England team at the moment are very strong and there are a lot of players vying for those positions.
“We’ve got a lot of young English boys, they make up most of our side. If we can establish ourselves as a Premiership side then a few guys might get picked for the national side.
“It would be difficult to break into that squad but, like me, all the boys are looking to break into it.”
On meeting Gerrard he added: “The midfield battle will be a tough one and I’m sure whoever comes on top will win the game.
“Nigel and I have been doing really well and we’re hoping to keep our form up but we know their midfield is world class.
“To come up against Steven Gerrard and the Liverpool midfield is a massive ask for us, but confidence is high and we’re going well in the league at the moment."
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