Nuno Espirito Santo has shown he’s not one to follow blindly in the footsteps of his predecessor – a huge relief to Hammers fans who saw him drop James Ward Prowse and bring in Soungoutou Magassa. Out also went any notion of Potter’s striker-less set up as Niclas Fullkrug played a full 90 minutes, showing a return to fitness if not to form.
Nuno’s trademark is pacy attacking threat from hitting sides on the break: Not ideally Fullkrug’s speciality with thirty-something legs struggling to keep pace with Summerville, Diouf and Bowen. However the German will likely grow in form with match practise.
The Hammers do have young talent which Nuno has already shown he isn’t afraid to use- Freddie Potts’ thirty-minute cameo receiving high praise.
Next off the rank could be Callum Marshall. The twenty year old offers Nuno an exciting alternative to Fullkrug and Callum Wilson with energy and running galore. Ideal for his system, Marshall has shown he has learned during last seasons’ loan spell and now simply doesn’t stop running and closing down: Since being called out for underperforming by his Huddersfield manager last season, the young Northern Ireland striker has grown both physically and mentally.
Time for Callum Marshall to show what he’s got in the Premier League
Another typical striker’s goal for the under 21’s on Tuesday means Marshall has sent a reminder to West Ham’s new boss that despite being largely ignored by Potter since scoring in pre-season, the high energy option which he offers could be perfect for Espirito Santo’s system.
And a fast, Jamie Vardy-style youngster attacking weary defenders for the last 20 minutes could cause problems against any Premier League side.
Nuno already recognised Marshall’s potential by including him as an unused substitute against Everton – now fans will look to see when the Portuguese manager will give him the opportunity he craves: Until then Marshall will be like a young pup straining at the leash.
Excellent theory and practice. While Fullkrug is occupying the attentions of two defenders, then the rest of the team has the space and opportunities to penetrate and finish. When the opposition have sussed out our Fullkrug tactic, we then see what Niclas can do when unmarked and free to influence the results of games.
Make sure that Fullkrug is choked. But ignore him at your peril. Obvious and brilliant tactics.
COYI
Some might consider playing Fullkrug for ninety plus minutes in his first game back from injury was a bit reckless. Unless his game plan was to injure Fullkrug so he has an excuse to play Wilson or Marshall without upsetting a senior pro.