Despite all the carefully edited content of the ‘inside Rush Green’ video released by West Ham last week, stories persist that West Ham’s sole defensive recruit Axel Disasi is nowhere near fit and most certainly not ready for action.
Nuno, we’re told, rejected a recommendation to look at Senegalse centre back Arouna Sangante from French side Le Harvre and instead came out in favour of the more experienced Disasi.
Understandably then, Nuno’s side to face Burnley will come under extra scrutiny this afternoon.
If, as seems likely, Disasi doesn’t start, then actions will most certainly speak louder than words: No appearance in the squad will surely lay the argument to rest and the guessing game concerning the Chelsea man’s fitness will be over. Our own source made his own opinion known loud and clear:
“Clubs that were interested felt he would take four to six full games to get up to the level needed. So in effect, he needs a proper pre-season”
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With only the two eligible first team defenders apart from Disasi, the Hammers boss will be using his only option starting Mavropanos alongside Max Kilman who has looked less than Mr Dependable in his appearances this season.
Why West Ham have put all of their defensive eggs in one Disasi-shaped basket will be another stick with which to beat the board at the end of the season if the Hammers cannot climb above a flagging Nottingham Forest. With Paquetá sold it evidently was not down to lack of funds.
It is puzzling to say the least: The worst defence in the league needed proper reinforcement rather than a sticking plaster solution.
Perhaps Nuno will surprise us all and name his loanee as lining up alongside Mavropanos at Turf Moor. A mighty big gamble in itself since Disasi hasn’t started a game since last summer.
Either way, West Ham go looking for their first clean sheet since victory over Forest in August. Perhaps this is the day when Kilman and Mavropanos rediscover their confidence and repel the best efforts of Scott Parker’s eleven.
Now wouldn’t that be something.