“Sliding Doors Moment” | Right Player at the Wrong Time

There’s something likable about Maxwel Cornet that makes me genuinely wish for his success at Southampton—and not just for selfish reasons.

At this point, I’ve largely given up on viewing the winger as a financial asset. I’ve long believed that the £17 million given to Burnley will never be recouped. However, that perception might change if Cornet performs well for the Saints, proving that the loan arrangement was a shrewd decision.

Perhaps it’s because the Ivorian never caused a fuss when he was left out of the Hammers squad, but I can’t help feeling that he probably deserves better.

Cornet’s story is a familiar one for Hammers fans. He joined West Ham at a time when the squad needed strengthening, and early signs suggested he might form an understanding with fellow new signing Gianluca Scamacca.

However, the fairy-tale quickly turned into a nightmare. A disallowed goal against Chelsea, which could have secured his place in the team, was followed by a rare calf injury. Dissatisfied with the medical treatment in East London, Cornet returned to Paris to consult a specialist.

A complicated and drawn-out period of convalescence did little to endear the winger to then-manager David Moyes. Unfortunately for all involved, it became increasingly clear that Cornet was not part of the plans and received little or no opportunity thereafter.

There was a point last season when both the player and some fans, like myself, believed he might re-establish himself in the manager’s plans. Alas, it was not to be.

The final blow

His lack of game time meant the player missed out on the Ivory Coast squad who were the host country in the African Cup of Nations. It’s difficult to state quite how much that impacted the player who had dreamt of playing in front of his home fans at a major tournament. Suffice to say, Cornet had dropped from national hero with 30 caps to outcast and was at an all time low.

Cornet’s Premier League goal against Sheffield United did little to impress the manager, and he never got another consistent run in the West Ham team. Even after the departures of Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma, Maxwel didn’t get a sniff. By the time he was given a few minutes off the bench here and there, his confidence was all but destroyed.

Pre-season and the signing of Crysencio Summerville suggested that new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui didn’t see much potential in him either and the winger was made available for transfer.

But Cornet maintained his dignity throughout a tough stint at the London Stadium that clearly didn’t work out, and I wish him well. The disallowed Chelsea goal might have been a sliding doors moment for a winger with talent. If anyone can bring out the best in Cornet, it could well be Russell Martin, who I suspect understands the situation perfectly.

Good luck, Maxwel.