Nuno Espirito Santo praised for unlocking summer signing as ‘strange dynamic’ at West Ham mooted
Nuno Espirito Santo has been lauded for getting the best out of Callum Wilson after the striker scored his second West Ham goal on Saturday.
The striker’s headed finish found the equaliser as West Ham beat Burnley 3-2 at the London Stadium to mark consecutive Premier League victories for the first time this season.
The Hammers powered into a commanding lead in the second half, with Tomas Soucek and Kyle Walker-Peters ensuring Josh Cullen’s late goal was just a consolation.
Mateus Fernandes earned huge plaudits for his performance against Burnley, with the midfielder appearing all over the pitch for the Hammers.
And Freddie Potts continued to excel for West Ham, after making his second consecutive start at the base of Nuno‘s midfield.
Callum Wilson ‘will get goals for you’
West Ham signed Wilson on a free transfer in the summer, with the deal going down poorly with the fans.
The striker brought a woeful injury record with him from Newcastle United, and had scored just one goal across 22 appearances in all competitions last season.
But Wilson got off to a good start when he scored off the bench against Nottingham Forest in August.
Now, with Niclas Fullkrug injured and seemingly on the way out of the club in January, the 33-year-old has taken on more responsibility.
| Callum Wilson | Vs Burnley (H) |
| Minutes played | 71 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Duels won | 4/8 |
| Was fouled | 2 |
Against Burnley, he led from the front and showed good movement to get on the end of a deflected shot to get West Ham back on terms.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on Sunday, Tony Cascarino said: “There’s a strange dynamic that happens in football that Callum Wilson came in the summer on a free transfer and had lots and lots of injuries.
“But if you look at Callum Wilson’s goal record, whether it’s at Bournemouth, whether it’s at Newcastle, he’s always got goals. Now, if they can get a tune and keep him fit, Callum Wilson will get goals for you.
“It wasn’t that long ago – I went to the World Cup in Qatar – and he was there as a striker because he can get goals for you. He’s physical, he’s strong to hold the ball up, and he’s got an eye.
“His goal yesterday was typical of a striker who finds a bit of space in a tight area and ends up getting on the end of it. He does that really well, Callum Wilson. So, fair play for utilising him.”
Wilson targeting shock World Cup bid
There is one position in Thomas Tuchel‘s squad that still appears entirely up for grabs. England are without an obvious back-up for Harry Kane, with Ollie Watkins in poor form for Aston Villa.
Ivan Toney is not expected to be under consideration while he plays in Saudi Arabia, while Liam Delap is yet to get going for Chelsea. That could leave room for a potential shock return to the England squad for Wilson.
Asked about the World Cup, the 33-year-old told talkSPORT: “I wouldn’t say I’ve retired myself from international football by any means.
“There’s a World Cup around the corner, of course, I’ve had my eye on that from the pre-season. So I’m working hard towards it.”
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