Aaron Wan-Bissaka was arguably an unlikely winner from West Ham’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Leeds on Sunday.
Nuno Espirito Santo made several changes from their strongest line-up, including Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back.
While some of Nuno’s selections were by choice, Walker-Peters had to start in place of the absent Wan-Bissaka.
The former Manchester United full-back’s value might have increased after what transpired at the London Stadium.
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Clinton Morrison highlights Kyle Walker-Peters’ struggles vs Leeds
Wan-Bissaka was unavailable for West Ham’s quarter-final clash against Leeds after his involvement in the international break.
The 28-year-old helped the Democratic Republic of the Congo qualify for their first World Cup in 52 years on Tuesday.
Wednesday was then declared a national holiday in Congo, and Wan-Bissaka had every reason to join in the celebrations.
Unfortunately, Walker-Peters did not make the most of his opportunity to start at right-back in an important game.
According to former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison, Walker-Peters lost his individual battle against Noah Okafor.
The Leeds forward had an excellent effort on goal in the early minutes and assisted Ao Tanaka for the visitors’ opening goal.
“It’s brilliant play from Noah Okafor,” Morrison said on BBC Sport. “It’s a brilliant save from Alphonse Areola because that was arrowing into the corner…
“Kyle Walker-Peters is going to have a hard afternoon because Noah Okafor has the beating of him.”
Although Walker-Peters did not have a terrible game by any means, Wan-Bissaka’s one-on-one defending was missed.
The DR Congo international has never been adventurous going forward, but defensively, he is as reliable as they come.
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