Much of West Ham United’s success this season has been down to their wingback formation.
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If certain styles suit certain teams then West Ham certainly found theirs.
The wingback formation has helped West Ham record their best start to a season for five years.
West Ham have the same number of points – 21 – as they did at the same stage of the Dimitri Payet-inspired 2015/16 Farewell Boleyn campaign.
Masuaku facing three months out leaves Moyes with massive formation dilemma
The formation has been the nucleus of that. It suits so many of West Ham’s players – many of whom were under-performing previously.
But none more so than Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell who have shone as left wing-back and left centre-back respectively.
Masuaku’s shock knee operation has ruled him out for around three months.
And it forced Moyes to revert to four at the back with instantly dubious results.
West Ham look more exposed and less of an attacking threat as a result.
With no obvious contenders Moyes must give exciting Longelo his big chance
Cresswell does not have the pace to operate at wing-back. Moyes has no obvious senior candidates for the left wing-back role in his first team squad beyond playing right footed fullbacks Ryan Fredericks or Ben Johnson out of position.
The Scot has proved he is not afraid to throw West Ham’s young academy stars into the first team when needed.
In the midst of an intense relegation battle last season, Moyes blooded teenager Jeremy Ngakia for example.
Well now he must be brave and give Hammers academy starlet Emmanuel Longelo his big chance at left wing-back.
Longelo, 19, would be perfect for the role. And he has already tasted first team action with an impressive performance in the 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Hull earlier this season.
The youngster described that night as a ‘dream come true’ (whufc.com).
Pace, power, skill, hunger and a lessened risk of defensive exposure – Longelo could be West Ham’s secret weapon
A super quick, skilful and powerful runner, Longelo would also bring youthful exuberance, enthusiasm and hunger to the role.
Longelo would be an unknown quantity for opposing teams too.
His lack of experience at the top level would be mitigated by his pace and power.
Longelo has been converted from a forward to a left back / wing-back by West Ham’s academy.
So he has natural attacking ability. And at wingback he would be less exposed defensively, which is why the role has brought the best out in Masuaku.
It always lifts a team when an exciting young player comes into the mix.
Moyes has the perfect answer to the Masuaku problem right under his nose.
It’s time for Longelo to get his big chance.
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