There aren’t many players enjoying a renaissance at West Ham United better than Arthur Masuaku right now.
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Speculation was rife in the summer that Masuaku was surplus to requirements at West Ham.
According to the likes of West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh, Masuaku was for sale to any interested bidders.
How things have changed, though.
From a Jack to a King
A new formation deploying the Congolese international as a wingback is getting the very best out of Masuaku.
That was in evidence again in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City last time out.
Although he almost gifted City a winning goal at the death, Masuaku was full of running and tricks throughout.
And his performances this season are starting to get lofty recognition.
Respected journalist Henry Winter was impressed with Masuaku.
And when he delivered an honest assessment of the West Ham star, Masuaku responded with gratitude.
Respected journalist Winter lauds Masuaku
“One of Masuaku’s best games for West Ham,” Winter said on Twitter.
“Takes occasional risks but commitment, blocking, challenging and attacking (first half) exceptional v Manchester City.
“Struggled to convince fully until this season, many doubting him, not now. Just needs to maintain this level of performance.”
Masuaku responded: “Thank you Henry. Appreciate.”
The nickname ‘King Arthur’ tells you everything you need to know about how West Ham fans feel regarding Masuaku.
Both he and West Ham’s other left-back Aaron Cresswell are two of Moyes’s big success stories in the new formation.
Masuaku lacks the defensive nous and discipline to be an out-and-out left-back.
And Creswell has that, but lacks the pace and energy Masuaku possesses.
Masuaku and Cresswell are big success stories of new formation
Combining them together seems a perfect marriage of their attributes vs their weaknesses.
They are West Ham’s answer to a Transformer.
Long may it continue.
Cresswell has acknowledged the impact of the new formation on both him and Masuaku (whufc.com).
“It’s (left centre-back) a position I love, and with Arthur playing as a wing-back I think it suits his game even more,” Cresswell told whufc.com last week.
“He likes to get the ball and carry it and it’s working well for us at the minute.”
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