West Ham’s midfield maestro Mateus Fernandes both impressed and endured frustration in Portugal U21s’ 2-0 win over Scotland in Motherwell.
The £38m summer signing – the third biggest transfer in Hammers history – was shown a red card after picking up two bookable offences. Despite the dismissal, Fernandes delivered a strong all-round display, linking play, tackling hard, carrying the ball and generally bossing the centre of the pitch.
It was encouraging for West Ham fans to see him in such form ahead of Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham. Fernandes is expected to start following his impressive debut in the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
It’s clear the 21 year old has a feisty streak which is perhaps no bad thing for West Ham. Graham Potters team have lacked a bit of bite in midfield and Fernandes seems happy to put in his fair share of tackles as well as do the pretty stuff.
It remains to be seen whether he will line up alongside Soungoutou Magassa, who is reported to have trained well since joining from Monaco.