Knowing how Nuno Espírito Santo loves to chop and change his line up, there’s a real conundrum ahead for the West Ham manager with his star centre back Dinos Mavropanos likely missing for a month plus. Does he draft in one of his loanees – Morato or Boiro – to change the shape of his back line or alternatively press-gang an emergency centre back into the fray.
Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is more qualified than many – certainly than I – to pass judgement on the squad available to the manager and how best to deal with what is hopefully a short-term absence.
And Ferdinand is in absolutely no doubt that the way to go is with young defender Airidas Golambeckis.
Taking to his social media account, Ferdinand posted a message on X/Twitter exhibiting 100% support for the teenage Hammers defender, commenting on account E20WHU’s post:
Ferdinand’s comment on Golambeckis sounds very much in the vein of a ‘don’t panic’ reassurance aimed as much at West Ham’s manager as supporters:
“It’s his time and I have every faith he will be fine”
As the original E20 post remarked, “Watford away he was very good – don’t start Veltman as a centre half..”
Golambeckis has already showed Nuno he’s up to the challenge of stepping in for Mavropanos after an excellent performance at Vicarage Road in West Ham’s 1 – 1 draw back in August.
A wholesale rejig of the back line, in Ferdinand’s judgement, isn’t needed with the young England u20 defender ready to go straight into Mavropanos’ place in the starting line up, having stood in for him admirably against the Hornets.
Veltman needs to start at right back and Moraoto at left. Simples. If he’s good enough for Anton Ferdinand then that’s good enough for me.
Rob Edwards for next manager, my God who’s Idea was that.
We need Scott parker, a real Hammer
Golambeckis seems to be a bit like Fearon, always time on the ball, knows where everyone around him is and often a step ahead. Against Soton in the cup, Kilman and him played well together – I noticed that much.
Play Golambeckis & Kilman, have Morato as sub in case either is injured or to close off the game. Use Mayers or Scarles or Boiro at LB to free up Morato with Veltman at RB for his experience and to shield Golambeckis. (as someone suggested, maybe Gonzo).
Agree Peter 👍
Also if he is fit seeing what Boiro could do would be interesting.
Likewise if Kante is injured starting with Orford who is better in possession and rarely gives the ball away.
If Nuno wants to experiment upfront try Soucek and Pablo both who can close down and press.
Boiro and at some stage this season, I would also like to see Mayers play more often. He has always looked good at LB, defends well and he is quite quick too, which could help going forwards. We have some good options at LB.
If Orford does play, want to see him be braver and go forwards with the ball, or move up the pitch supporting an attack or two – just sometimes, with someone covering for him in midfield.
Agree, except I think it’s time Boiro was tried at LB. Morato is a defensively minded CB at heart and offers nothing to the team going forward. A back four of Boiro, Kilman, Golambeckis and Veltman is a mix of experience, youth and attacking flair that could transform the way we play, if only Nuno could see beyond his negative defensive and dare I say scattergun approach to tactics
👍👍
Well I’m with that pick of players, but I would be saying to Kilman pull your finger out or you could find yourself on the bench when Mav comes back!