OPINION
West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen must be handed his first Premier League start next season as he will be a revelation at the London Stadium if unleashed.
The 22-year-old has only had a mere taste of what it is like to play in England’s top-flight so far, with him making two cameo appearances in the Premier League in the season that has just concluded.
Cullen played one minute of the Hammers’ 3-0 win over Southampton, before appearing for five minutes against Chelsea when the Hammers drew 1-1 with the Blues in April.
Ahead of this season, the central midfielder had only played one minute of Premier League action, when he featured against Liverpool in 2015, so at least he has made some progress.
However it’s about time the Premier League were shown what a fantastic talent Cullen is, and he is only going to be able do that if he is allowed to start a Premier League game next season.
The Hammers academy product has all the tools to be a revelation at the London Stadium, as his ability to successfully fire powerful shots from distance would have any Premier League goalkeeper kept on their toes.
The 22-year-old midfielder also is known for his neat passing ability and his fresher younger legs could aid the likes of Mark Noble in the centre of midfielder.
The Hammers’ lack of pace in the heart of their team was exposed on several occasions last season, leading to disappointing results.
Cullen did show glimpses of what he was able to do in the first-half of the recently concluded season, when he spent time on loan at the Championship’s Bolton Wanders.
The promising midfielder featured 12 times in the league for the Trotters and showed all the signs that he could be a great creative presence due to his talent if given the chance.
Cullen only didn’t take the world by storm at Bolton as he was adjusting to having regular senior football at that level, while also playing for a team that was struggling all over the pitch.
Even though the Hammers manager is unknown for next season, it doesn’t matter who is in charge, as if a manager gives Cullen his first Premier League start it should enable him to be a revelation at the London Stadium sooner rather than later.
