Flynn Downes can prove his worth in West Ham United FA Cup clash v Brentford
David Moyes’ reluctance to play Flynn Downes must surely come to an end this weekend as West Ham United take on Brentford in the FA Cup, and if so, the midfielder must take the opportunity with open arms.
The 23-year-old joined the Hammers from Swansea City in the summer but has failed to get to grips at the London Stadium since.
Downes has featured just seven times in the Premier League this season, starting just three of these, with both Tomas Soucek and even Lucas Paqueta preferred to him in a midfield two alongside Declan Rice.
The Englishman’s last start for the Hammers came in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in late October, but he will likely be given a run-out in the FA Cup as his Scottish manager looks to ring the changes.
If Downes hopes to emerge ahead of Soucek in the midfield pecking order, he has to take any opportunity given to him on Saturday (7 January) and stake his claim for a spot in the regular starting XI.
When at his best, the ex-Swansea man is your archetypal defensive midfielder. He proved himself a combative, aggressive player last season in the Championship, but he also has the quality to mount attacks when picking up the ball from the back-four.
The signing of Downes could well have been with one eye on a future at the club without Rice – who is heavily rumoured with a move away from the London Stadium in the summer, but it has been disappointing to see so little of him this term.
Playing both the 23-year-old and Rice together could be seen as a negative move by Moyes, but considering the club’s dire form in the Premier League, some solidity could be the best way to start picking up results.
With Soucek badly out of form and Paqueta better used in a more advanced role, Downes will know there is a vacant position in the middle of the park waiting to be grabbed. A strong showing against the Bees could do just that.