Nuno Espirito Santo gets painful reminder of what he'll lose with 'formidable' Crysencio Summerville

Nuno Espirito Santo began to get the best out of Crysencio Summerville at West Ham United last season.

Since making his move from Leeds United in 2024, Summerville had endured a difficult time in East London.

This came at a time in which the Hammers themselves were struggling, with relegation seemingly a certainty at the start of the year.

Summerville would play an integral role in ensuring that the season did not fizzle out, with a talismanic run kickstarting a string of result for the Irons.

Ultimately, the season would end in relegation, with West Ham dropping to the Championship for the first time since 2012.

Now, Summerville continues to hand out painful reminders as to just what the Hammers will be sadly losing this summer.

Dutch media react as Crysencio Summerville puts nation on shoulders

Taking on Morocco in the round of 32 at the World Cup, Ronald Koeman and the Netherlands opted for a rather strange setup.

Hell bent on stopping the Moroccans, Koeman would field a 5-2-3 formation, with Summerville and Cody Gakpo flanking Sunderland's Brian Brobbey.

The Dutch would suffer, with just 30 per cent possession recorded over the 90 minutes, though Summerville would once again bring the pace and energy now expected of him.

After providing a beautiful assist for Gakpo's opener in the 72nd minute, the Dutch media lauded the West Ham star in the aftermath, despite him missing as his side went out on penalties.

Handing him a 7/10 score, Voetbal International would say: "Summerville was one of the bright spots for the Netherlands. His assist for Cody Gakpo's opening goal was of great class. It seemed enough for an undeserved, but impressive victory over Morocco."

Goal would also echo this sentiment with a 7/10 score, alongside their words: "One of the Netherlands' brighter attacking players.

"His pressing helped create Gakpo's goal, and his work rate was excellent throughout."

On another night, Summerville could have been the talisman in a Dutch win, though former Hammer Issa Diop's late equaliser will go down as the moment that swung the clash for the Moroccans.

West Ham's transfer direction is clear as Summerville exit draws closer

The preparation for next season could have been incredibly different for the Hammers, had just one or two results swung in their favour across the final months.

But, the current reality is something that must be accepted - West Ham are now building a Championship squad.

Summerville had previously shone in the second tier, earning his move from Leeds as a result of his EFL exploits, and it is no surprise given the type of player he is.

With bags of pace, trickery and the energy to always want to cause chaos, he was able to run riot against Championship defences.

As a league, the second tier of English football is well and truly built on pace and physicality, and the abilities of Summerville are something that West Ham must be looking to match with their recruitment this summer.

But after his World Cup exploits, it has become more obvious that he won't be sticking around.

If the Irons are to get out of the division at the first time of asking, it is imperative that a difference maker out wide is added - effectively replacing Summerville.