Late academy player scratch means Arthur Masuaku could get his wish
By Adam Smith
West Ham’s most promising left-sided academy attacker, Nathan Holland will miss the opportunity to play for the first team against Birmingham in the FA Cup. With his absence, left-back Arthur Masuaku could be played as an attacker, a dream realized.
WIth Felipe Anderson currently in-form, there comes a balance between game action to maintain his hot streak and timely rest to keep him in peak physical condition. With the hectic holiday period behind the Irons, the FA Cup third round provides the perfect chance to rest the Brazilian sparkplug.
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The script was perfect for Nathan Holland to take Anderson’s leftwing position and emerge just like Grady Diangana had done against Macclesfield Town in the Carabao Cup. Now confirmed by the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on twitter, Holland is not fit enough to play for West Ham or the U23 team this weekend, meaning the youngster will have to wait longer for his chance under Pellegrini.
It’s a shame for Holland who has been with the Hammers for years and patiently awaiting the chance to make an impact with the first team. Hammers supporters are poised for this player’s ascension through the club’s system but will have to wait a little longer to get a chance to see him with the first team.
With Anderson likely on the bench there are no naturally left-sided attackers in West Ham’s team, or is there? One name comes to mind as a plausible replacement, and that is left-back Arthur Masuaku.
Masuaku has had a lot of criticism directed his way this season after his inconsistent play has contributed to an unpredictable first half of the season. Something that came to light throughout this time was Masuaku admitting on social media that he, in fact, was being played out of position as a fullback.
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It only seems to be an issue when he’s playing poorly or not at all, but no one can deny that Masuaku offers a lot more in attack than he does defending. With some slippery dribbles and tricky feet Masuaku can create space out of nowhere and whip in a cross or drop a shot on target from range. Should he get the start it’ll be interesting to see how he plays after being relieved of intense defensive duties.