OPINION
West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku has had more than his fair share of criticism this season but his display against Cardiff City showed that it was far from being all his fault.
The 25-year-old left-back started the clash with the Hammers, probably because Aaron Cresswell was unavailable, and actually had a positive impact during the match.
During the 3-1 victory over the Bluebirds, Masuaku showed his ability to burst forward on the wing and created golden opportunities for his teammates to attempt to fire home.
This was particularly the case when he successfully created Lucas Perez’s second goal of the game as he masterfully spotted the 30-year-old in space and expertly whipped the ball into him, in order for the Spanish to fire it home.
However even though Cardiff didn’t overly put pressure on the Hammers defence, you still wouldn’t have backed Masuaku to cope with defending properly due to his previously blunder-ridden displays this season.
Yet if you weren’t impressed by his assist or him looking lethal when charging forward, then you must be hard to please.
Masuaku has been doubted by many this season after struggling as left-back with some fans no doubt willing to see him kicked out the door but his display against Cardiff should have silenced the doubters.
This should be the case as he clearly showed that he is a victim of misuse as Manuel Pellegrini should be deploying him on the left-wing if he is going to play him.
Felipe Anderson is currently flourishing on the left-flank but he has proven to be inconsistent in his outings and Masuaku would definitely get playing time as a result if made first-choice cover for the Brazilian.
Also given his display, he’d clearly be able to make a positive difference if used as winger rather than have people cursing his name when used as left-back.
