OPINION
Manuel Pellegrini has opted to start West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell against Burnley on Saturday and it’s a golden chance to shine that the player simply has to take.
The Hammers boss’ starting line-up was revealed via the club’s official Twitter account and the most notable change saw the 28-year-old replace Arthur Masuaku at left-back.
Cresswell, who earns £50,000-a-week at the London Stadium (Source: Spotrac), has only appeared three times in the current Premier League season ahead of the clash with Burnley.
The 28-year-old is a fabulous attacking outlet, due to his crossing ability and set-pieces, but has looked a liability in his outings this season as well as in the last campaign, which has seen him lose first-team status.
Cresswell was particularly woeful during the defeat to Wolves as he was exposed and torn apart by the Premier League new boys, so it’s clear that his future at the London Stadium is under fret.
Pellegrini, shown by the club’s summer transfer business, is clearly looking to bring notable success to the Hammers and he won’t believe Cresswell is able to aid his task based on the player’s performances this season.
However he has an opportunity to change the manager’s mind on him on Saturday.
Given that Burnley don’t have the most formidable attack and could be vulnerable to Cresswell’s crossing ability, then this is the ideal game for Cresswell to make his case for why he deserves a future at the Hammers.
Claret & Hugh previously reported that Pellegrini was going to search the January transfer market for a new left-back, which means he’ll likely get rid of Cresswell or Masuaku to make space for one.
Given that the English full-back has been used less than Masuaku, clearly he is the one at risk.
Therefore Cresswell must seize his golden chance to impress against Burnley or face an exit from the club he has been at for many seasons.
