Five shock January moves you didn’t expect

Antonio Nocerino – AC Milan to West Ham United (season-long loan)

The Italian has barely featured for the Rossoneri, appearing in exactly half of his parent club’s 22 matches this season, but represents a bargain on the Hammers’ behalf. He may be out of favour but there can be no doubting the pedigree of the fully-fledged Italy international.

Nocerino arrives with experience in abundance and will add a bite to the midfield which has been sorely lacking from a side who have displayed very few hallmarks of a traditional Allardyce side at times this season. 56% fouls committed to 44% suffered offers an early insight into the Italian’s style.

Nocerino Duel Success (Milan) – Serie A 2013/14

He is clearly the type of player who relishes the proverbial midfield battle and this type of combative quality is exactly what is required when you are embroiled in a fight for survival.

West Ham’s soft centre has often been their undoing in the absence of Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll, so Nocerino’s presence will immediately offer a boost.

But this isn’t to say the midfielder’s only skill is to get in the faces of opposition. Far from it, in fact, though his six chances created does suggest a lack of creativity.Although that figure could not compete with the Hammers’ current creators ,the likes of Mark Noble (39) and Stewart Downing (33), it is difficult to gauge from the small amount of games Nocerino has played.

Nevertheless, an impressive passing accuracy of 83% is bettered only by Noble’s 84% and Ravel Morrison on 86%.

Nocerino Pass Accuracy (Milan) – Serie A 2013/14

It comes as a surprise, mainly because it looked as though his absence would weaken the midfield of an AC Milan side who trail runaway Serie A leaders Juventus by some 27 points even at this stage.

His exit was belatedly compensated for by the arrival of Michael Essien at the San Siro but either way Milan’s loss – albeit a temporary one – can most certainly be West Ham’s gain.