OPINION
Manuel Pellegrini must look to West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen in the future after the 23-year old played a blinder in the League One play-off semi final with Charlton.
The 23-year old had a huge part to play in helping his side reach the final of the League One play-offs, and will be hoping that he can see out his job and reach the Championship with Charlton.
Cullen was on the ball in the second minute of the game to assist Krystian Bielik in the opening goal of the game, which effectively spurred on the Charlton lads to see out the victory in the end.
The Irishman also had a huge part to play in the conclusion of the fixture, netting the second penalty for Charlton with ease and swagger.
He had also had a pretty impressive season on the whole for Charlton, scoring one and assisting five in League One since his arrival at the club.
All of this may not have come as a surprise to West Ham fans, however it still isn’t guaranteed that Cullen will get an opportunity to play under Pellegrini upon returning from his loan spell at Charlton, yet surely the experienced manager noticed the midfielder’s latest display?
After an outstanding performance on Friday evening, Cullen is surely now deserving of a chance to play in claret and blue, and it seems like time may be ticking on his West Ham career.
The central midfielder may not be quite ready for the step up to the first team yet, however he should be tested in the Premier League, and has gained some helpful match experience throughout this season which will put him in good stead going into pre-season with the Hammers.
Should Cullen succeed in helping to take Charlton back to the Championship, he may be considered by Pellegrini, but if not, then it’s a great waste of an extremely talented footballer.
