Summerville reveals the hidden impact of Mohammed Kudus’ £55m West Ham exit

Add as preferred source on Google

Crysencio Summerville was one of the few West Ham United players to emerge from the wreckage of relegation with his reputation enhanced.

While Mateus Fernandes could land a mega-money move to Real Madrid, while Axel Disasi highlighted the foolishness of that Chelsea sidelining, Crysencio Summerville should not be short of offers during the summer window.

Liverpool and Chelsea are long-time admirers. Italian giants AS Roma and Napoli have been linked as well, meaning Fernandes is hardly the only West Ham United player who could earn the cash-strapped Londoners a considerable windfall.

Will Summerville leave for a greater sum than the £55 million arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur paid for Mohammed Kudus eleven months ago? That remains to be seen.

In the meantime, Summerville has been telling Dutch publication Voetbal International how Kudus’ departure helped him to nail down a starting spot and belatedly show the West Ham faithful what he is capable of.

Crysencio Summerville explains Mohammed Kudus connection at West Ham United

• Sign up for free here to join the discussion!

“I never think in terms of competition. I look at what I can learn from players who also play in my position,” says the former Leeds and Feyenoord winger.

“In my first season at West Ham United, I had that with Mohammed Kudus. I was actually happy to be able to work with him. We even became friends during that time.

“On the other hand, when he went to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, that meant a better chance of a starting spot for me. I seized that opportunity.”

In his first season in East London, Summerville started only seven Premier League matches, recording a single goal and assist apiece. In his second, he racked up 29 starts, five goals and two assists.

Not quite elite-level numbers in an age of Mo Salahs and Heung Min-Sons, but a much improved return from a wideman who benefited from a regular spot on the left-hand side while overcoming the injury issues which ruined much of his first 18 months in the English capital.

Tell us what YOU make of our West Ham World Cup XI! 🌍

Can you think of someone who are missing? Let us know below 👇

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Hammers winger says he’s more versatile than people realise

Summerville, though, is keen not to limit himself to one position in the frontline.

“I started my professional career as a right winger, so that is still an option,” adds the Rotterdam-born speedster. “I could also still play in the ‘number ten’ position. It doesn’t really matter to me. Right, left, centre; a coach can use me anywhere.

“Even though I have been playing as a left winger for two years now, I can easily switch that gear. I am sure I haven’t forgotten how to play on the right flank! You don’t lose that. As a winger, you have to be versatile in modern football anyway.

“Last season, the way I fulfilled my role varied regularly, partly depending on how the opponent played. One time I had to follow an attacking full-back deep into our own half. Another time I had to stay up front and put pressure on a central defender.

“That variation helps you become a complete attacker, especially when you have to prove yourself in the Premier League.”