West Ham player who could’ve left in winter window now set for starring role under Nuno
West Ham’s survival hopes were boosted as they beat Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday.
It was a solid showing from Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, with Axel Disasi impressing on his West Ham debut.
Crysencio Summerville continued his goalscoring form for West Ham, before Taty Castellanos doubled the lead in the first half.
It turned out to be a routine win, but the West Ham head coach did make a big call in his starting lineup for the game, and it worked in his favour.
Mads Hermansen took his chance vs Burnley
Mads Hermansen looked likely to leave West Ham during the recent winter window, with his time at E20 not going well.
A swap deal for Antonin Kinsky at Tottenham was touted but ultimately never came to fruition.
West Ham then decided against letting Hermansen leave, and they could now be about to reap the rewards of that decision.
The Danish shot-stopper had not featured for the Hammers in the Premier League since September, but against Burnley, Nuno gave him his chance as Alphonso Areola dropped to the bench.
While the level of opposition might not be much to rave about, Hermansen certainly took his opportunity.
The goalkeeper made five saves throughout the match and was given the highest rating on Sofascore.
Additionally, between the sticks, he recovered the ball 14 times for his side.
West Ham have now kept two clean sheets all season, with the first coming against Nottingham Forest, against Nuno in August.
In both instances, it was Hermansen in goal for the London Stadium club, and that could be key for the rest of the season.
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Hermansen favourite to start vs Manchester United
It would be strange for Nuno to put Areola back into the team straight away after Hermansen proved himself against Burnley.
The Dane has earned the right for another start, and this time against tougher opposition in Manchester United.
West Ham could end Man United’s four-game win streak, and if Hermansen plays a key role once again in that fixture, he is surely set to end the season as the club’s number one goalkeeper.
Areola has made countless errors throughout the season, and perhaps it is time to keep him out of the side for the time being.
Signs from Hermansen prove he is ready to step up amid the Hammers’ quest for survival, and now he could have a starring role.