With Freddie Potts cooling his heels for the next three games after his sending off at the weekend, West Ham are faced with the dilemma of finding a replacement.
Nuno’s alternative is to play a different system and perhaps revert to the two midfield starters that had been looking – on occasion – swamped until reinforcements arrive.
Magassa’s opportunity comes from Freddie Potts’ suspension
Earlier in the year, Fernandes and Soucek started whilst Pedro was operating as a number ten but with the Portuguese frontman’s injury, West Ham are likely to revert to a three-man midfield and trio upfront.
Meaning there is a big opportunity for Soungoutou Magassa to re-establish himself with a three game run – at least- in the Hammers midfield.
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Not Nuno’s natural first choice, the French youngster excelled earlier in the season at Old Trafford, scoring and picking up a deserved man of the match award in the process.
As the nytimes/athletic put in on the night:
“What a stellar showing from the young Frenchman.
He was absolutely everywhere for West Ham — and most importantly, he was in the right place at the right time to score their goal tonight.”
Potts’ absence is Magassa’s opportunity to step back into the starting eleven. Combined with Soucek and Fernandes, the Hammers do look to have a solid trio who can cope both defensively and going forward.
West Ham need a similar performance from the Frenchman to his Old Trafford display: Quite possibly these next three games could prove the biggest test of his Hammers career.