OPINION
David Moyes previously publicly shared his desire to improve West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku and it now seems the 24-year-old will only get regular football if he fulfils his former boss’ wish for him.
Masuaku, who is comfortable playing as a left-back or left-sided midfielder, is no doubt eager to establish his place in the side next season under next manager Manuel Pellegrini.
However Claret & Hugh reported on Monday that Aaron Cresswell was set to be the club’s first-choice left-back even though the new Hammers boss had been impressed with Masuaku in pre-season so far.
This means Masuaku’s best chance of regularly featuring for the Hammers next season is if he makes the position of left-sided midfielder his own.
In order to do this then the 24-year-old has to significantly improve on his goal and assist return for the club.
Last season after making 27 appearances in the Premier League, Masuaku who earns £40,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac) ended his league campaign having scored no goals and registering only three assists.
Moyes publicly stated ahead of the Hammers’ game against Southampton in April that he wished for Masuaku to improve the attacking side of his game.
“He is a really good boy,” stated Moyes on Friday, as quoted by Football.London.
“We want to improve him, score more goals and get more assists but he’s quick, good on the ball as well.”
The former West Ham manager was right to suggest that the left-sided flyer was capable of being more of an attacking threat for the club.
Masuaku is very speedy when unleashed down the wing and is comfortable on the ball as he has previously shown off his ability to easily dribble past his opponents.
Despite having all the skills in his locker to be a potent attacking force, his numbers don’t add up.
However if he was able to improve in the way that Moyes’ previously wished for him, then he would easily be a regular under Pellegrini next season.
Therefore Masuaku must adapt to Pellegrini’s reported plans regarding the position of left-back by fulfilling Moyes’ wish for him to improve the attacking side of his game.
