Wing Backs
More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham
- Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
- West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
- Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
- Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
- West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid
Pablo Zabaleta
The Argentine proved a lot of doubters wrong with his performance on Monday. Despite his age and supposed declining fitness he patrolled the right flank well and supported Antonio going forward. Given his experience it’s no surprise that Bilic trusts him to take this role in the starting XI.
Sam Byram will be happier coming into this position than a conventional right back, but he is not up to Zabaleta’s standard. Hopefully there is a lot of tutoring going on right now because if Zab gets injured this could be as big an issue as last year.
Aaron Cresswell
Another player who is better as wingback than a normal fullback, Cresswell did well on Monday. He delivered a number of dangerous crosses into the box and covered back well when needed, although there are doubts that he will ever regain his pre-injury form.
Masuaku is waiting in the wings and I think he could flourish at left wing back. He is better on the ball and hits a wicked cross. I don’t know how he is at dead ball situations because with Cresswell on those at the moment that would have to be done elsewhere. Bilic certainly wouldn’t be risking much else by playing Masuaku over Cresswell.