Even though I am part of the media, I sometimes scratch my head in bewilderment at some of the stories which sports media journalists manufacture. Several outlets are reporting today that West Ham are willing to take a massive financial hit on Arthur Masuaku and sell him in the summer – or even give him away.
When Masuaku came into the team after Cresswell was injured he was, for me, an absolute revelation. He built up a tremendous understanding with whoever played in front of him and showed some brilliant skills. Indeed, in the first part of the season I remember putting him forward as a candidate for Hammer of the Year.
His attacking abilities are superb. He can dribble and beat an opponent at will. Defensively he is slightly less convincing and has a tendency to panic, but overall I have been hugely impressed with him.
He had one dodgy game in which nothing went right for him, and it is on that one game (was it Arsenal?) that too many people now judge him. He’s never been able to redeem himself as he’s been injured ever since. He’s on his way back to fitness now and I hope he is given another chance in the first team before too long. To write him off now is ridiculous.
it is said his former club of Olympiakos would have first refusal. Madness. We have two excellent left backs, both of whom can play in more advanced roles in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation. If Masuaku is happy to compete for the left back position, why on earth would we even think of selling him?