Nuno Espirito Santo has secret West Ham weapon to exploit Brentford’s biggest weakness
Nuno Espirito Santo could win his first game as Hammers boss on Monday night.
West Ham play Brentford in the Premier League, as they seek their first win in five games and three points that would kick off the Nuno era.
Niclas Fullkrug will be missing against Brentford due to another injury that the German forward has picked up, as Callum Marshall is in line for a West Ham start.
If West Ham are to get three points, Nuno needs to make the correct lineup decisions, but one player almost picks himself against Brentford.
Nuno Espirito Santo can use El Hadji Malick Diouf to target Brentford’s shaky defence
Malick Diouf has been on fire at West Ham since arriving in the summer and has already shown signs of further promise under Nuno.
The flying full-back loves to bomb down the wing at any opportunity given, as he was unfortunate not to be officially credited with the assist for the first goal in the Nuno era when Jarred Bowen scored against Everton.
With West Ham set to face a poor Brentford defence, Diouf can be West Ham’s main outlet in targeting Keith Andrews’ backline, who seem to concede lots of chances and goals.
Brentford in the Premier League this season:
- In seven Premier League games, Brentford have conceded five goals to opposition strikers
- Brentford have conceded a high 9.70 xG (Expected goals) – According to FotMob
- The Bees have conceded 12 goals already
Nuno will have no doubt been working with West Ham during the international break at further implement his fast transitional style of play, which will suit Diouf more than anyone.
Brentford could be the game where opposition sides start taking more notice of Diouf.
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Diouf has been West Ham’s signing of the summer
Still at 20 years of age, Diouf has impressively hit the ground running in the Premier League and is the stand out signing of the summer.
Nuno will be looking to harness his good form, as the Senegalese man impressed while away from West Ham over the international break.
| Games | Accurate crosses | Assists |
| 7 | 21% | 3 |
Diouf has been a shining light in a poor start to the season for West Ham, but if things can change at E20, he will most certainly be at the heart of it.
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