It would be fair to say that West Ham United forward Pablo Felipe attracted a lot of criticism following the defeat to Brentford, and Nuno Espirito Santo has options to replace him.
Now, West Ham United fans are not the type to blame one player for a defeat. It is about the collective, and the mess that the team find themselves in is not down to the forward.
Still, Pablo was criticised following West Ham’s defeat to Brentford, following an ineffective display.
If not Pablo – who plays up front? 🤔
This TalkingPoints user might have summed up how fans are feeling right now 👇
There are those – including this observer – who back Pablo and talk up his importance to the team off the ball.
Indeed, it’s a debate that has sparked an awful lot of conversation among Hammers News readers and subscribers on TalkingPoints. You can sign up for free here.
Still, even backing Pablo does not mean his flaws aren’t obvious and that some of the criticism isn’t warranted.
With that in mind, here are three ways Nuno could replace him ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal.
Callum Wilson replaces Pablo
This one feels like the most obvious choice. West Ham fans chanted for Callum Wilson to come onto the pitch against Brentford, with the forward having scored two last-minute winners already this season.
Imaging you’re in Nuno’s shoes; Who are you bringing in to face Arsenal? 👞
In an ideal world, Wilson would start games. There are, however, doubts that he can regularly complete 90 minutes at this stage of his career – having done so only once in the Premier League this season.
Given how Nuno has used the forward so far, him actually starting the game does feel unlikely.
Jarrod Bowen replaces Pablo and Adama Traore starts too
Nuno also has the option of moving Jarrod Bowen centrally, playing either behind or in front of striker Taty Castellanos.
That could then feasibly open up a space on the right for January signing Adama Traore.
Despite being a Nuno signing, Traore has only made 12 appearances since joining West Ham from Fulham – just three of which have come from the start.
Bowen is clearly capable of playing up front but the vast majority of his goal contributions have come in his more natural position of right wing.
This, then, would be a significant change to a system that has worked well for West Ham since mid-January.
Tomas Soucek plays further up the field with Mohamadou Kante in midfield
Another potential option is to move Tomas Soucek up the pitch. Though not a classic No.10, the Czech has proven to be a palpable goal threat over the years.
That could then see Mohamadou Kante brought into midfield to operate alongside Mateus Fernandes.
Like with all the options, this is a plan laced with risk. Kante, despite his obvious talent, is inexperienced at this level and the stakes are incredibly high right now.
Soucek and Fernandes have formed a fine midfield partnership too, which has been a bedrock upon which West Ham built their run of good form since mid-January onwards.
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