Few West Ham fans took a great deal of interest over the deadline day loan signings made back in September after the relatively ‘big money’ deals – for the Championship, anyway – of Engels and Austbø had taken the headlines. West Ham needed a left back having sold El Hadji Malick Diouf and therefore when Adama Boiro arrived we naturally assumed he and Ollie Scarles would be battling it out for the left back slot.
Nottingham Forest Loanee Morato reveals surprising versatility – which a canny Nuno has exploited to the full at West Ham United
When in truth neither have had a look in. Few had done their homework on Morato who, first and foremost, had been a centre back at Nottingham Forest, but as he revealed today, had an extra string to his bow that a canny Nuno Espírito Santo has exploited to the full since the player’s arrival in September.
Morato’s ‘hidden talent’ revealed on West Ham’s web site today
According to whufc.com, the player revealed a level of expertise of which few were aware:
“I’m a centre-back by trade, but I played almost a whole season as a full-back with Benfica.
You really appreciate that versatility; it gives you extra motivation, knowing you can help the team in different positions. There aren’t a lot of centre-backs here so you might end up playing as a full-back rather than a centre-back.
I’m not the type of guy to be fussy about playing in one position, whether on the right or the left. For me, I think that helping the team by playing wherever the manager needs me. As a full-back, a centre-back or even a defensive midfielder. I’ll be ready to do it and try to do it as well as possible.”
As he’s shown, he might not be the typical build for a full back – there aren’t many left backs in this division who are 6 ft 4 and 14 stone (90kgs) and he might not be the fastest but he’s done a pretty decent job keeping the two regular left backs sat on the bench.
I’d quite like to see how he performs as a centre back – he’s one option for Nuno to use with Mavropanos injured – but the Brazilian is evidently happy to works his socks off for the team ‘wherever’ and repay the trust which his former Forest manager has once again show in him:
“[Nuno] gave me a lot of confidence, put a lot of trust in me and started me in loads of matches. He was always encouraging me. Those are the things that stick with you. Now we’re able to work together again and I hope it goes well.
It was a very brief conversation. He said he was counting on me, and I said I wanted to work with him again. It’s been good so far, and I’m going to do my very best to ensure that, without a doubt, we make a success of it.”
He might have played a full season at LB for Benfica, but it doesn’t mean he is one. The honest truth is Scarles isn’t good enough and Boiro we don’t know, but Nuno clearly doesn’t like/rate him. I could be cynical and suggest it’s because he is an attacking full back and Nuno can’t cope with anyone who likes to attack so let’s just assume he is a poor player? Morato would never get a look in at LB if we had a decent one at the club
A very encouraging attitude being displayed by Morato. If only all players were this responsible when it comes to their work.
Not quite so good for those seeking international honours, though. ‘Utility’ players are generally overlooked in favour of the one trick ponies.
We have been fortunate in the last few years to have had the likes of Soucek, Coufal, Cresswell and Rice plus some others who have been adaptable in their roles within the team.
Morato may prove to be a revelation in other positions too. As with all players, looking their best also depends on the work of their team mates around them. Morato at centre back might just elevate the performances of all of those in touching distance. Let us hope so!
COYI
In other words he’s become a ‘teachers pet’ given preference even if there’s others more suited.
It happens at other clubs as well.
… and he doesn’t call the boss ‘Baldy’.
I think we are out of the playground now, Jeeps.