WHZ Tactics: West Ham player has chance to prove himself v Fulham
West Ham United defender Arthur Masuaku has finally cemented his spot in a new role this season in the Premier League.
David Moyes has adopted a five-man defence, which has seen the Congo full-back move into a left wing-back position.
Aaron Cresswell has moved into the heart of defence, meaning that the two players can both occupy roles in defence at the London Stadium.
Masuaku has been forced into a defensive role in the past few weeks though.
Games against Liverpool and Manchester City has forced the 27-year-old to sit back, but this weekend will finally give him the shot to attack.
Defensively, Masuaku has been questionable – giving away the penalty against Mohamed Salah with a poor attempt to get the ball, even if it was soft.
The defender has only had five shots this season, with one of those on target, but he does average 2.82 progressive runs per game according to WyScout.
We expect that to change against Fulham.
Masuaku will finally get the chance to prioritise his attacking play against the Cottagers, who have been poor in their own third.
According to WhoScored, 39% of the Irons attacks come down the left-hand side and that will benefit Masuaku massively.
Moyes will be looking to benefit from having extra men out-wide, and that will finally give Masuaku the chance to thrive.
Fulham won’t sit back either, leading to the Hammers having massive chances to push forward and get bodies into the final third.
This game will give Masuaku the chance to prove himself in this new role, and we are expecting big things from the defender.
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