Arthur Masuaku is set to pour the pressure on Aaron Cresswell for the left back position over the next few weeks and could well be in the frame to start the process at Watford.
Now fully fit, the defender has been getting glowing training ground reports and is determined to make an impact onn his return from injury.
Cressie’s form has been under scrutiny in recent outings and certainly appears to be struggling to recapture the form which marked his early appearances in the side after arriving from Ipswich.
And whilst Masuaku certainly cannot match some of the searing runs we see from Cressie at his best reports we are receiving are that he is seen as perhaps a better passer and may get his chance even as early as the Watford game now he is back in full training and fully recovered.
We were told: “Slav is never big on making changes to a team on a roll but the left back position is one that has been looked at and discussed. We could have interesting times in the position over the next few weeks.”
Cress hasn’t looked the same player since he returned from injury his passing has been woeful although he isn’t getting the ball early enough and he has had to check back to many times with the poor quality of passes maybe Arthur pushing him will be a good thing
I’m not a fan of Masuka. That handball for a penalty against the Arsenal did it for me. Did someone in his family have a bet on a penalty being awarded in that 10 min slot or something? Anyhow I’m Cresswells no 1 fan so that’ll work against Masuka too.
Make am impact? I would say he has made an enormous impact so far. Unfortunately.
I just dont see it … two very different types of defender for me … Arthur suits the BFS set up where defending comes first second and third … Cressy isn’t on fire but whilst were doing ok let Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass get his mojo back …
Aaron will come good again.He isnt at his best but im sure he will get there.The only thing that will stop him is if some of us deciede to turn him in to the Jenkinson figure of derision who is too scared to touch the ball.No he isnt the greatest defender but look round the league there are very few fullbacks/wingbacks who are anymore.Milner/Valencia now playing in that position shows the role of a fullback has changed greatly in recent times.If you are looking for an old fashioned fullback they are few and far between.
Yes, Cresswell looks to be struggling for fitness and hasn’t looked half the player he was last year.
A big thing may be that he seemed to have quite a good understanding with Payet and the two played well off each other.
Masuaku – you’d put down as an adequate stand-in, a squad player but not really a first choice.
Yes Michael an adequate replacement is how i see him.But what else can you expect or do you want.If he was any better he would be seeking a move away for regular playing time if he remained on the bench behind Cressie long-term.Sometimes a player of lesser ability but reliable fits the bill just fine.
Right – no argument here.
Sorry if you thought i was arguing or asking you what else you expect or want,i wasnt.It was more of a generalised shrug of the shoulders what else do you expect or want meaning all of us lol
Payet is no longer here . Cresswell looks to be struggling for fitness. So why should he be first choice over Masuaku, who no one has seen enough of to really make a decision. Really love all you managers.
Michael you seem to have made your mind up already, despite having seen hardly anything of Masuaku. Stan says we shouldn’t start knocking Cressies confidence which Iwhole heartedly agree with. So why start knocking Arthurs when you have hardly seen his abilities?
Competition for a place in starting 11 is healthy.
Might give Cressie a kick up the arse and maybe he’ll return to the fine form we know he’s got in his locker