David Moyes should trust Divin Mubama with start v Liverpool in EFL Cup tie
West Ham have the opportunity to reach their first EFL Cup semi-final since the 2013/14 season as they visit Anfield to face a wounded Liverpool side.
With Jurgen Klopp continuing to play a high line with his defenders, there will be plenty of space for the Hammers attack to run in behind. David Moyes’ attacking choices will be key on Wednesday night if they are to advance.
Divin Mubama’s pace and energy, accompanied by Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus in the final third, could prove a real threat to Liverpool’s backline who have conceded two or more goals to Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, Toulouse, Fulham and Union St. Gilloise this season.
With Michail Antonio’s long-term injury keeping him on the sidelines, and Danny Ings failing to make the desired impact on the pitch, many Hammers fans have been hoping to see more of Mubama, the club’s most promising academy graduate.
The 19-year-old has only accumulated 57 minutes across three Premier League appearances, however, gathering more minutes in Europe than anywhere else. It has been disappointing, to say the least.
When Moyes has given the young forward the opportunity, he has run with it, making a huge impact from the bench despite not yet registering a goal contribution for the senior team.
The sky is the limit for Mubama, but only if he is given the chance to spread his wings. And the Liverpool defensive line could give him the ultimate opportunity to impress the manager.
This could happen, with Moyes never short of praise for the young striker: “His mentality and attitude are as good as any top player. He is so determined and works incredibly hard for the team. We need him to develop his actions and technical ability but he is only 19.” [BBC Sport]
Unless Klopp deploys the youngsters, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahim Konate will likely make up the centre-back partnership with Konstantinos Tsimikas and Trent Alexander-Arnold on either side. 20-year-old Jarell Quansah could also make an appearance.
With Alexander-Arnold’s inverted midfield position in full swing, West Ham’s left wing will offer a massive chance to attack the Liverpool goal. Kudus and Bowen on either side, with Mubama up front, could be Moyes’ best chance of reaching the EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
In other West Ham news, Joe Cole has predicted the result of the Hammers Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool.