West Ham co-chairman David Gold has hinted that the club are struggling for future prospects in the left-back position.
The outspoken 80-year-old took to his personal Twitter account on Sunday to reveal that he was “confident” that manager Slaven Bilic would have axed both Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masukau from his line-up last season had he had better youth options.
The Hammers struggled at the back last season, shipping 64 goals from their 38 Premier League matches, with the left-back position proving a particular area of concern for West Ham manager Bilic.
Both Cresswell and Masuaku had their fair share of opportunities to impress, earning a combined 45 appearances in all competitions, but neither looked overly convincing.
But Gold has admitted that had Bilic had a better teenage left back at his disposal than either of his two first-team players, he would have instead handed an upcoming youngster the opportunity.
He said: “Agreed. I am confident that had Slaven have had a better teenage left-back than either Cresswell or Masuaku he would play him.”
Agreeed. I am confident that had Slaven have had a better teenage left back than ether Cresswell or Masuaku he would play him. etc. etc. dg https://t.co/XF8XlEOwXe
— David Gold (@davidgold) June 11, 2017
Gold was responding to a statement from a fan questioning the club’s youth policy, where it was debated that West Ham should be handing more youngsters opportunities in the first-team squad if they were deemed good enough.
But Gold’s response can also be received as a thinly-veiled dig at both Cresswell and Masuaku for their poor performances last season.
A large number of fans have raised concerns of late over the lack of opportunities available to the club’s youngster and academy talents, with one of their most prized young assets in Reece Oxford forced out on loan.
Edimilson Fernandes and Ashley Fletcher (both 21) were among the few upcoming talents that earned the most senior opportunities last season – albeit intermittently – but fans want to see more chances available next season.
Gold, however, has continued to reiterate that there is nothing out of the ordinary about the opportunities available for West Ham’s young talent, even if fans remained unconvinced.