Italian media have begun questioning what has happened to Taty Castellanos after the striker was named among the substitutes for West Ham’s victories over Lincoln City and Swansea City. The Argentine has found himself watching from the bench in recent matches, prompting suggestions in Italy that he may have fallen out of favour with Nuno Espírito Santo.
Lazio Press reports, that the former Lazio forward has lost his starting place because his performances — and particularly his finishing — have failed to meet expectations. Given the number of chances West Ham’s forwards have missed recently, it is perhaps understandable that questions are being asked about the striker’s contribution.
However, I am not convinced Castellanos has been dropped at all. In fact, I suspect Nuno’s recent selections have far more to do with the opposition and the tactical requirements of individual matches than any particular dissatisfaction with Taty.
Taty has been underwhelming for West Ham in the Championship.
West Ham Strikers All Missing Chances
It is difficult to conclude that poor finishing has cost Taty his place when none of West Ham’s strikers are currently proving particularly clinical. One only has to look at Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Swansea City.
Castellanos, Pablo and Joël Piroe all failed to convert good opportunities, so I am not sure the Argentine is performing any worse in front of goal than his competition.
Let’s be honest, all of West Ham’s strikers are currently being outscored by centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos. That would ordinarily represent a considerable concern, but I am not convinced it bothers Nuno Espírito Santo as much as some might imagine.
Nuno demands that his forwards defend from the front. As long as they press, compete and put in a shift for the team, he appears reasonably satisfied with their contribution.
Nuno Could Restore Taty Against Southampton
I believe Nuno selected Pablo against Swansea because his industry and energy, combined with that of Mohamadou Kanté, gave West Ham the best chance of disrupting the Championship leaders’ passing game.
It was a tactical selection rather than definitive proof that Castellanos has fallen out of favour. Pablo carried out his instructions extremely well, helping West Ham press Swansea into the mistake which produced Divine Mukasa’s winning goal.
Castellanos is an unusual player in that he appeared perfectly capable of operating in the Premier League without necessarily looking more dominant in the Championship. He remains a useful forward, although striker would be the first position I would look to improve if West Ham secure promotion.
Even so, it is far too early for the Italian press to write him off or start raising questions about his future. There has been no indication that West Ham intend to sell him, while two games on the substitutes’ bench hardly amount to permanent exile.
I would not be remotely surprised to see Taty restored to the starting line-up against Southampton.