Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Mon 6 April 2026 16:10, UK

Soungoutou Magassa has had a mixed debut season at West Ham United to say the least.

West Ham, despite their valiant late efforts, were knocked out of the FA Cup by Leeds on penalties, and it may not be a bad thing.

It gives the Hammers the chance to focus fully on the relegation battle ahead, with seven Premier League games still to be played.

However, there were several talking points to have emerged from their latest defeat, some good and some not quite so.

And Magassa, who started in the heart of midfield for West Ham, was certainly more of the latter.

What are West Ham getting out of Soungoutou Magassa?

Magassa is a defensive midfielder by trade, and more often than not, that is where he has been utilised since moving to the London Stadium.

That was again the case against Leeds, with Freddie Potts partnering him in the centre.

But despite being defensive-minded, Magassa offered very little protection before being hooked at half-time, with the Frenchman having won just 25 per cent of his duels.

He made just one tackle and one clearance, but was dribbled past on two occasions, and far too easily at that.

But the mystery of his actual role deepens when you consider the lack of influence he has going forward with the ball, with zero chances created, and only 77 per cent of his attempted passes finding a teammate.

Magassa has very rarely offered anything at either end of the pitch, and that was the same against Leeds United.

Mohamadou Kante must be on Nuno’s mind

Mohamadou Kante has featured quite regularly for West Ham this season, with 11 appearances across all competitions.

And while he did little against Leeds, albeit having been handed just 15 minutes to do so, you can sense from his way of playing that he has plenty to offer, which can’t be said of Magassa.

Nuno Espirito Santo has to consider handing him a starting role over the former Monaco star, knowing that it will almost certainly pay off.