According to Claret and Hugh, Arthur Masuaku was left out of West Ham’s squad against Crystal Palace purely for tactical reasons.
The Democratic Republic of Congo international, who earns £40,000 per week according to Spotrac, has lost his place to Aaron Cresswell in recent weeks, after receiving a one-game suspension having been sent off against Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old has displayed decent form for the Hammers this season, however. He offers his team a threat down the left-hand flank in the final third. And he has definitely improved his defending.
The skilful left-back joined West Ham from Olympiacos in the summer of 2016 for £6 million (Sky Sports).
His absence from the West Ham squad was felt late on when Cresswell was replaced by Pablo Zabaleta.
And Claret and Hugh claims Manuel Pellegrini opted to leave Masuaku out of the match-day squad because he wanted more attacking midfielders on the bench.
The decision seemed to backfire somewhat. Neither Pablo Fornals or Jack Wilshere made any kind of impact when they replaced Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko respectively.
Zabaleta was another sub who failed to influence proceedings.
West Ham now have two weeks off before they’re in action again.
It is unclear as to whether Cresswell or Masuaku will start that game.
And the 25-year-old will be desperate to prove to Pellegrini that he is worthy of his place back in the starting XI.
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