Credit: Manh Tung/Breaking Media

Scott Mason

Mon 23 March 2026 12:10, UK

Taty Castellanos failed to find the net for the ninth game this season as West Ham United lost 2-0 to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Argentinian forward was purchased in the winter transfer window with hopes that his presence leading the line could propel the Hammers to safety.

At West Ham, the striker role has long been a position the Irons have failed to truly cement a standout performer in.

Since moving to London from Lazio, Castellanos has shown the energy and desire needed for a team in a relegation battle.

However, he has been unable to produce in the one area that Nuno Espirito Santo needs him to, and that was evident in West Ham’s loss to Aston Villa.

Why Nuno must consider Taty Castellanos’ role at West Ham

Castellanos is Nuno’s favoured man to lead the line, with the Argentinian starting all 11 available games up front since he made the move to E20.

However, with relegation on the line and the Irons struggling to score goals, it could be time for a review of that position.

Castellanos has previously stated that his style is “almost a false nine”, but at the moment, the Irons need a traditional striker who can score goals.

The 27-year-old’s positioning against Aston Villa proves he is not taking up the correct spaces on the pitch expected of a striker, as shown by the Sofascore heatmap below.

West Ham’s forward typically drifts out wide and drops deep rather than being the focal point of the team.

The Hammers already have Jarrod Bowen in the side, who can impact games from out wide, and they need a player to remain central to occupy defenders.

On Sunday, Castellanos was poor for West Ham. He had just one shot and created zero chances.

Additionally, despite dropping deep to try and get involved in the game, he made just 13 touches.

It was far from a performance required from a number nine, and it was no shock he was substituted at half-time for Callum Wilson.

Nuno should trust Pablo or Callum Wilson to lead the line

Since joining, West Ham fans have not been able to see much of Pablo, as the Brazilian picked up an injury not long into his spell.

However, since returning, the striker has been used out of position on the left wing. The Pablo experiment is not working, and Nuno should allow him to play his natural role.

Additionally, Nuno does have Wilson at his disposal, with the Englishman a proven goalscorer in the Premier League.

After Bowen, the 34-year-old is the Hammers’ joint-second highest goalscorer this season.

West Ham are in the relegation zone, and they need to start being braver in attack to bring in wins. Goals win games, and Castellanos’ total of two in 11 matches is a hit rate that will not suffice.