(Credit: Imago and Manh Tung, Breaking Media)
(Credit: Imago and Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Nuno Espirito Santo already thanked by fellow manager for something he's done at West Ham

Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Nuno Espirito Santo no doubt has a big task on his hands at West Ham this season.

The manager will be expected to keep the Hammers in the Premier League despite their dire start.

However, things have already started to go wrong for the former Nottingham Forest boss.

On top of not picking up a win yet in his reign, reports suggest that West Ham could already lose a staff member, as the East London club collapses.

However, there have also been positives in his first weeks in charge.

Nuno Espirito Santo celebrates with fist pump after West Ham goal vs Everton
Nuno has had a mixed start to life at West Ham (Credit: Imago)

Michael O'Neill praises Nuno Espirito Santo for Callum Marshall debut 

While there were few positives in West Ham’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, one was the appearance of Callum Marshall.

The striker made his debut against the Gunners after spending last season on loan to Huddersfield Town.

Marshall is highly rated at West Ham, and already has 12 caps for Northern Ireland’s senior team.

  • Marshall signed for West Ham in 2022
  • He has since had loan spells at both West Brom and Huddersfield
  • Marshall is also a senior international for Northern Ireland

Having been called up for the World Cup qualifiers this month, the 20-year-old will be hoping to make further appearances for his country in the coming days.

Now, ahead of their fixture against Slovakia on Friday, Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has praised Nuno via BBC Sport on 10 October for giving Marshall his West Ham debut.

He said: "There's a lot going on there for a young player to deal with but Callum's very focused, very driven and trains extremely hard and wants to do well.

"[He] is impatient, which you expect in young players as well, and I'm delighted. Callum always shows up well in the camp. 

"It's always difficult. If you look around the Premier League, there's not many 20-year-old number nines getting loads of minutes, so it's a big challenge for him to get that and it was very positive to see Nuno giving him those minutes so early in his tenure at the club."

How did Marshall play vs Arsenal?

On his debut, Marshall wasn’t bad during his short time on the pitch.

According to Fotmob on 10 October, the striker completed 100 per cent of his passes, and even got himself in a good position to score.

Callum Marshall vs Arsenal
Minutes 29
Passing completion 100%
Shots1
Big chances missed 1
Successful dribbles 1
Defensive contributions 3
Marshall was solid against Arsenal

Given the Hammers’ current woes up top, Marshall could prove to be a good option for Nuno until a better striker is signed.

Hopefully, the youngster can quickly get his first goal at the Hammers to boost his confidence.

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