Leading pundit Gary Neville is of the belief that the likes of Taty Castellanos can keep West Ham in the Premier League.
Castellanos has scored two goals for West Ham United since joining from Lazio, but that doesn’t tell the full story.
Indeed, the Argentine has brought an energy and an industry to the frontline that had been profoundly lacking prior to his arrival.
What would you say if Paco Jemez took Nuno’s job?
He's certainly made a big impact…
Paco Jemez the manager of Rayo Vallecano reacts during the La Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Abanca Balaidos Stadium on May 18, 2019 in Vigo, Spain.
Taty, along with fellow new arrival Pablo, has had a major impact upon the way in which Nuno Espirito Santo’s team operate.
Neville believes that the pair, along with the resurgent Crysencio Summerville and the ever-reliable Jarrod Bowen can play well enough to keep the Irons in the Premier League.
Speaking on The Overlap, an enthusiastic Neville said: “I think West Ham and Forest might be okay
“I mean look to be fair I watched Leeds twice in I think it was like late November or December thought they could be ok.
“Similarly when I watched West Ham at Chelsea in that first half and then watched them last night I thought they could be ok because the the guys up front aren’t bad. Summerville, Bowen, Castellanos and Pablo they’re a handful by the way.
West Ham United’s chances of avoiding relegation
There’s little doubt that West Ham are currently one of the form teams in the division, despite their lowly status.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Over the last five games, Nuno’s side sit fourth in the form table, having won three, drawn once and lost the other. Take that into the final 12 games of the campaign and there will be little to worry about, though that is easier said than done.
On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you that West Ham will stay up this season? 🤔
A graphic showing Nuno Espirito Santo's quote after West Ham draw with Manchester United
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
Even the defeat came off the back of a good performance, with Chelsea taking to the brink earlier this month.
As such, Opta’s supercomputer have given West Ham a 29.25% chance of survival.
West Ham United hit by significant injury blow
Sadly for West Ham, one of the players Neville picked out for praise has been ruled out of action for an indefinite period of time.
January signing Pablo missed West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Tuesday and it remains to be seen when he returns.
After that draw, Nuno confirmed Pablo was going to miss games through injury, though provided no further update beyond that.
The West Ham head coach said: “Unfortunately, he’s going to be out. That’s a blow for us.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox