Pundit thinks West Ham United are better with both Aaron Cresswell and Emerson Palmieri starting
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes Emerson Palmieri should get the nod as first-choice left-back at West Ham because Aaron Cresswell is better as a centre-back.
David Moyes wanted to strengthen his left back position during the summer transfer window and signed the Italian Euro 2020 winner from Chelsea on a permanent deal, but so far hasn’t settled on a solid first-choice option in the position.
And when asked who should be given an extended run in the team, McAvennie felt that West Ham are better in a back-five with Cresswell playing centrally but feels in a back-four it’s Emerson who is the better option.
“Cresswell for me, I think he’s better in a three at the back,” he told West Ham Zone.
“As a left-back, I would probably play Emerson. If you’re playing a three, Cresswell can play as one of the three centre-halves. He’s better that way.
“He’s a better player that way, it’s a strange one.
“The more games Emerson plays the better he’s going to become. So he’s got time on his side.
“I can’t stress enough how good competition for places is, so it’s good to have two players at left-back. I’m delighted with that.”
Cresswell has started nine of the first ten Premier League games so far this season, while Emerson has started three and come off the substitutes bench a further four times.
The veteran has made a further two appearances in the Europa Conference League too, while Emerson has started all four games in Europe and chipped in with a goal too.
With the current defensive injury crisis, both could start once again for Moyes when West Ham take on Liverpool in the Premier League on Wednesday night.