Summerville set for new West Ham blow once he’s back from injury
Crysencio Summerville has had to come to terms with several issues since joining West Ham United last summer.
The exciting Dutchman arrived for around £25million from Leeds United and indicated his ability at Premier League level with glimmers under Julen Lopetegui, when he was finally included in the side.
Summerville has dealt with not only the managerial change alongside the rest of the squad, but also the adaptation to the Premier League which for the first time came with a level of expectancy from supporters given the price tag.
He has also more recently been nursing a hamstring injury which is stunting his progress at the London Stadium and has seen him barely able to feature under Graham Potter since his arrival.
Summerville ‘has failed to make impact’
Since Summerville has signed, only seven of his 19 appearances have been starts and he has been perceived not to have been given a fair crack of the whip.
TV commentator Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, believes he has what it takes to be “Premier League quality” but his injuries and lack of selection have prevented him making any real impact.
Summerville was unstoppable for Leeds United in the Championship last season having already played in the top flight at Elland Road, earning him his opportunity with the Hammers.
“You’d think he’s Premier League quality, but most of his appearances have been off the bench,” Darke said.
“He’s only played once since Potter took over at West Ham, presumably that all being down to injury. He hasn’t quite dazzled yet is all I could really say, but you’ve seen in little bursts he could be an important player.
“He just hasn’t impacted enough to justify himself as a regular starter when fit.”
West Ham United have had key injuries
What is especially frustrating for Summerville at West Ham United is that his own injury woes have largely coincided with those of Jarrod Bowen, who has now returned.
The 23-year-old will certainly not see Lopetegui on his Christmas card list given the lack of opportunities he received – it almost felt as if fan pressure forced the hand of the chronically unsure Spaniard at the London Stadium.
As for Potter, he has been denied the chance to instruct Summerville to express himself and show what he can do because of the injury which has sidelined him since his first game on 10 January, the defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round.
The Hammers take on Arsenal at the Emirates in a tricky trip coming up this weekend (22 February), and Potter will be looking to take advantage of the issues plaguing Mikel Arteta’s squad at present.