Before anyone mistakenly reads the headline and concludes that I’m talking about Callum Wilson — think again.
We all know West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo has a big call to make in the striking department ahead of Monday’s game against Brentford.
At present, we’re still playing a guessing game with the new manager, who has only presided over two matches in the Hammers’ hot seat so far. Therefore, we don’t have much evidence to accurately guesstimate his line-ups — but like many, I’ve concluded that Nuno doesn’t much fancy Wilson.
Wilson impressed against Forest but I’d be surprised if Nuno picked him on Monday
Factor in his gushing praise for the other Callum — Marshall — following his recent outing against Arsenal, and it’s easy to assume that the Northern Ireland striker will take the place of the injured Niclas Füllkrug at the London Stadium.
Walker Peters Offers Nuno Options
But allow me to offer up another alternative which may appeal to Espírito Santo.
Let me be clear: I’m not hugely in favour of moving Jarrod Bowen off the wing, and personally, I’d start Marshall. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t options available to the gaffer should he choose to reshuffle.
Walker Peters could start against Brentford
Step forward Kyle Walker-Peters. The free transfer from Southampton will have considered himself unlucky to have been dropped in favour of Obi-Wan Bissaka against the Gooners. KWP had been in decent form deputising at right-back, but let’s not forget he spent large parts of last season on the wing and looked pretty good at times.
I just wonder if Nuno is considering deploying Bowen as an emergency striker against Brentford — and whether he’d prefer Walker-Peters over Luis Guilherme in that scenario.
Either way, I suspect Marshall will be getting significant game time in the run-up to January, which could prove to be the making of him.
If it is all about having someone to stand in the centre up front then perhaps Michail Antonio would be interested in this role. Although I reckon Callum Wilson could be persuaded to do the same.
Just a thought.
Don’t waste bowen upfront , hes so much better on the wing, if its a experiment you want , id rather stick gulliherm up top , we’ve carried our striker for years why not one more game and I think he will be very effective hes rapid gpt good dribble skills and can rotate position with bowen.
Worth a shot id say, I still think it should be marshal up top though
I thought something similar. But it meant trying to push Diouf forward on the left wing and replace him with KWP at the back. Simple because Diouf is so good at going forward yet seems a really poor defender. Not quite sure how to shoehorn them all in tho
Bowen clearly wants to play as a striker now. Watching him for England he started on the wing but with wingbacks pushing up he soon realised he needed to be in the middle to get involved in the game. He ended up fix in the box then dropped back into midfield to win the ball and pass forward for an assist. I honestly think Bowen is good enough to play anywhere and don’t subscribe to often parroted view he’s only effective on the right wing
We must give Marshall a start
Also Gulhimere does deserve a fair run