Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Thu 26 March 2026 19:10, UK

Callum Wilson could be the difference between relegation and survival at West Ham United.

Even just a few weeks ago, West Ham looked destined for relegation to the Championship, but Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders to get them back into a somewhat healthy position.

The Irons sit just one point adrift of safety now, with some favourable fixtures to come ahead of the final seven games of the season.

But despite the improvement, West Ham are still at risk of relegation, and utilising Wilson more could be the key to avoiding it.

Callum Wilson can do what Taty Castellanos can’t

Having scored on only his second start for the club, Castellanos looked as though he was going to be a hit at the London Stadium.

However, since that goal against QPR in the FA Cup, he has found the net just twice, showcasing his struggles in front of goal.

But that isnt the only area of the game he has struggled in, with his lack of ability to hold the ball up also proving to be detrimental.

The Argentine has won just 31.5 per cent of his duels in the Premier League, which places him among the bottom 26.5 per cent of attackers.

Wilson’s isn’t much better at 33.8 per cent, but what he lacks in physicality he makes up for with his ability on the ball, as showcased by the Sofascore graphic below.

He’s completed 57.9 per cent of his dribbles this season, in comparison to Castellanos’ 20 per cent.

On top of that, Wilson converts 13.2 per cent of the chances that come his way, compared to Castellanos, who converts just over one in every 10 chances he gets.

Nuno must take note of Wilson pattern

West Ham’s last win within 90 minutes was away to Fulham at the start of March.

That was also the last time that Wilson was named in the Hammers’ starting 11, albeit he was unable to get a goal or an assist.

He’s failed to start any of the three games since then, with a penalty shoot-out victory against Brentford the only success the Hammers have really had.

It’s not a coincidence that West Ham perform better with Wilson on the pitch, and Nuno must take note.