WHZ View: Cresswell can solve Masuaku headache for Moyes
David Moyes has a huge decision to make ahead of West Ham United’s clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.
It was revealed on Thursday that defender Arthur Masuaku will be sidelined for some time after a post on Instagram suggested he would be undergoing knee surgery.
Not only was it strange that the news was not brought up during Moyes’ pre-match press conference, but it also casts doubts over how the Hammers will line up against Leeds on Friday night.
Masuaku’s form as a left wing-back, coupled with Aaron Cresswell’s impressive performances in a back three have both been huge factors in West Ham’s strong start to the season.
In terms of potential replacements, Moyes only has two realistic options following Masuaku’s injury and that is to either move Cresswell into a more advanced position or bring in young Ben Johnson.
Up against a potent attacking force in the form of Leeds United, Moyes could be better off moving Cresswell out to a wing-back role, rather than reverting to a back four.
The West Ham boss has put a significant emphasis on his side sticking to their shape and being ‘hard to beat‘ this season.
With Cresswell moving into a more advanced role, he has the added protection behind him that he otherwise would not get in a back four.
During the one game that West Ham have lined up in a back four this season, they lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle with Cresswell among the Hammers’ worst performers on the day.
Cresswell could also make use of the attacking threat he has shown recently, with the 30-year-old creating more chances than any other defender domestically season.
Using data from Wyscout, @Five_Yards recently revealed Cresswell is one of the most productive full-backs throughout the entire Premier League.
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed his Leeds team during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, so we know that Rodrigo, Jack Harrison and Raphinha are all due to start.
That is a Leeds attack that could boast a lot of pace and trickery, so the added experience of Cresswell in comparison to Johnson could be very valuable for Moyes.
In other West Ham news, Haller could have golden opportunity to come alive against Leeds