Crysencio Summerville’s return to action at West Ham United has brought plenty of promise but, as yet, relatively little end-product.
Yes, Summerville won back possession in the build-up to Taty Castellanos’ goal in the 4-0 obliteration of Wolves at the London Stadium. But on that free-scoring Friday night and the dull draw with Crystal Palace ten days later, West Ham United’s number seven looked very much like a footballer attempting to rediscover his rhythm.
Everton’s arrival in East London on Saturday, though, should see Crysencio Summerville pitted against Jake O’Brien; David Moyes’ reluctant right-back.
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Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrates equalizing goal during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Crysencio Summerville could run riot when West Ham United host Everton
O’Brien, a 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international, has started all but two of Everton’s 33 Premier League matches this season; the majority of his appearances coming on the right-hand side of the backline.
At 6ft 6ins, O’Brien feels like a throwback to the days before the Dani Alves, Marcelo-driven evolution of the modern full-back.
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While a dependable presence more often than not – a key reason why Jordan Pickford is currently joint-third in the Golden Glove race – there have certainly been occasions in which O’Brien has looked like a towering centre-half played out of position.
O’Brien struggled with the tricky Willy Gnonto during the 1-0 opening weekend defeat at Leeds. The likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Harvey Barnes have caused the former Lyon giant problems too with their direct running and explosive pace.
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And in a 4-2 home defeat by Bournemouth in January, O’Brien was caught out by a pass in behind to the jet-fuelled Amine Adli; a straight red card the punishment for a desperate, late challenge.
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“O’Brien’s return to right-back was a risk that did not pay off,” noted the Liverpool Echo. “A specialist right-back is desperately needed.”
“O’Brien is struggling with his defensive duties, with his lack of pace and agility proving a problem against some of the Premier League’s tricky wingers,” added Hammers News’ sister site Everton News.
West Ham’s best route to goal against an Everton side with the third-most clean sheets and the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, then, may involve isolating O’Brien one-v-one with Crysencio Summerville.
The Dutchman hasn’t scored a league goal since the 1-0 win at Fulham. His one and only assist came against Nottingham Forest in August, when Nuno Espirito Santo was in the other dugout.
Saturday would be a good time to get back on the ‘goal contribution’ trail.
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