According to a report on Claret and Hugh, West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku remains a part of Manuel Pellegrini’s plans. The left-back has been out of favour since the defeat at Goodison Park last month prompting rumours of the Congolese defender potentially leaving the club in January.
A Hammers insider told the website: “It’s just a par for the course thing. There have been no complaints or talks! Players get rested when other players are preferred. It’s a par for the course thing! Arthur is content with a new contract and ready to fight for his place.”
TIF Tactics – Masuaku can still be an asset to the squad
According to WhoScored.com, Masuaku has averaged a performance rating of 7.16/10 this season despite being labelled by fans as the clubs ‘worst ever player’ just weeks ago. The left-back has played 427 minutes of Premier League football during this current campaign and has even won a man of the match award.
In recent weeks, the 26-year-old has lost his place to Aaron Cresswell but it seems Pellegrini’s decision has motivated the defender to fight harder for his place. You could argue Masuaku is quicker, more direct and more powerful but Cresswell has contributed with two goals versus Manchester United and Bournemouth respectively and therefore brings another dimension of his own.
West Ham, despite looking as though they could challenge for the European places just a few weeks back, find themselves in a worrying decline. If Pellegrini is to prevent this very expensive ship from sinking he will need every member of his squad on board and ready for action when called upon – it appears Masuaku still has a future at the London Stadium and will still play his part somewhere along the line.