Sheffield United and two other clubs perfect as Nuno tipped to sanction West Ham defender loan
Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping to give one player the best chance to develop their game over the coming months.
Graham Potter was replaced by Nuno after a horrid start to the Premier League season.
While it is still early days, Nuno has not fared much better in the Premier League, with West Ham holding two goals to Arsenal in their most recent game.
However, Nuno will no doubt look to propel his side towards positive change in the coming months, which should look different to the Potter era in both tactics and personnel.
Sheffield United
Ollie Scarles seized the chance to become a West Ham starter after Potter tested him in the first team.
However, Nuno has now entrusted summer signing El Hadji Malick Diouf to take the reins at left back, with Scarles now tipped to head to the Championship on loan in January.
Scarles and Sheffield United could be a match made in heaven, with the Championship club currently bottom of the table.
The Blades have been one of the worst defensive sides in the second division this season, keeping just one clean sheet in nine games according to Sofascore.
- Sheffield United have made four errors leading to a shot and two leading to a goal in the league
- The Blades concede almost two goals per game
- They commit 13 fouls per game
Head coach Chris Wilder has committed to playing his fullbacks higher up the pitch to facilitate attacking plays.
Meanwhile, Scarles has been urged to develop his attacking game. This could end up as a win-win situation with the fullback providing defensive solidity while also expanding his attacking approach.
Norwich City
Norwich City are currently sitting 19th in the Championship, having won just two games this season.
Kellen Fisher is Liam Manning’s starting left back, making eight appearances in the league this season.
However, the 21-year-old’s primary position is at right back and has started for his club on the left for various tactical and injury reasons.
Thus, the Canaries are crying out for an established left back to slot in their four-man defence, and Scarles could be the answer to their defensive woes.
Sheffield Wednesday
Just nine games into the Championship season, and it is abundantly clear that Sheffield Wednesday needs to attempt something new in defence.
Indeed, the Owls have kept one clean sheet thus far, holding five to Coventry in their latest league defeat.
Left-back Liam Palmer was a sight for sore eyes during the defeat, losing possession 13 times for his side.
- Palmer won none of his aerial duels against Coventry
- He made just one tackle throughout the game
Therefore, Sheffield Wednesday are in need of greater defensive stability and Scarles could be the right man for the job.
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