Graham Potter favourite instantly dropped, outcast gets his chance – West Ham possible XI under Nuno Espirito Santo
Nuno Espirito Santo has been confirmed as the new West Ham manager.
West Ham sacked Graham Potter in shock fashion on Saturday morning after what has been a poor stint in charge at the London Stadium.
It had appeared that the Englishman would be in charge for the upcoming clash against Everton when Potter took on media duties for West Ham.
This won’t be the case after his sack was confirmed, with Nuno set to manage West Ham for that fixture on Merseyside.
This begs the question as to how Nuno could set up his Hammers side after he departed Nottingham Forest earlier in the campaign.
Max Kilman to get second chance under Nuno Espirito Santo
Although Paul Merson isn’t sold on Nuno’s potential West Ham appointment, it is the chosen path for David Sullivan and Karren Brady.
The change in the dugout is unlikely to change the goalkeeping role, as Mads Hermansen could maintain his role as number one ahead of Alphonse Areola.
The dilemma between the sticks will be mirrored in the centre-back pairing, but it could prove to be the perfect chance for Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos to shine.
This duo are the most similar to Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, something which could give West Ham a positive base to build from.
Either side of this duo, Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka represent true quality in claret and blue and could suit Nuno down to the ground moving forward.
Soungoutou Magassa could get break at West Ham
It was one of the biggest complaints under Potter that the midfield selections were hampering the Irons from progressing.
This regularly saw James Ward-Prowse feature, but that feels unlikely to be seen under Nuno based on his tactical approach with Nottingham Forest.
The ex-Wolves boss could utilise a midfield pairing of summer signings Mateus Fernandes and Magassa, with the latter strongly linked to the City Ground in the most recent window.
This could see the new men form a positive shield that can allow for Lucas Paqueta to showcase his talents in the number 10 role moving forward.
If the Brazil international can flourish, there is no reason why Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville can’t follow suit on the flanks.
Niclas Fullkrug could replicate Chris Wood for Nuno Espirito Santo
One of the brightest aspects of Nuno’s squad last season was the way that he turned Wood into an expert Premier League goalscorer.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Chris Wood | Niclas Fullkrug |
| Appearances | 36 | 18 |
| Goals | 20 | 3 |
| Assists | 3 | 2 |
The New Zealander is famed for his hold-up play and physicality, in a similar light to Fullkrug in his days at Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund.
Nuno already has the perfect blueprint to copy at the London Stadium that could finally get the best out of the 32-year-old in East London.
If Fullkrug can get firing, it could prove to be the factor that transforms West Ham under the management of the Portuguese head coach.
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