King Arthur? …not quite but getting there
By Allen Cummings
“Arnie” Arnautovic has become the new terraces darling in our mini revival but not far behind him in the popularity stakes is the somewhat unlikely figure of Arthur Masuaku.
Since David Moyes’ decision to switch to a back five Arthur has been operating as a left wing-back, and the former Olympiacos man has been reborn.
From his role as the occasional back up alternative for Aaron Cresswell, the Frenchman has become a real eye-catcher with his surging forward runs and mazey dribbles.
We’ve always loved our wide players at West Ham, and Masuaku has been providing the infectious expectation that comes with someone who is prepared to take on and go past a defender, a feature that will always get the fans off their seats.
With packed defences and little or no room to go through the middle, the best alternative is to go round them. That’s something Masuaku has been doing pretty effectively lately.
Consequently there’s a song that’s doing the rounds at the moment with words to the effect of “…Arthur Masuaku, he’s better than Lukaku – he never gives the ball away”. Catchy. But not quite accurate in my opinion.
Because for me, that’s one thing Arthur IS guilty of – giving the ball away and it’s something that needs addressing along with his ability to retain concentration for a full 90 minutes.
It’s a fact that Arthur is guilty of going to sleep at times, getting caught in possession in dangerous areas and putting his team under unnecessary pressure.
It’s those defensive weaknesses I suspect that encouraged Moyes, with input from Stuart Pearce, a former full back himself of course, to try Arthur in a more offensive rather than defensive role.
It’s a move that has clearly worked to an encouraging degree with more to come. Obviously Arthur is still learning the role. A work in progress.
But I’m sure with Moyes’ help, it’s a role he is more than capable of improving and developing to his, and our greater advantage. Maybe then his coronation will be complete.