Speaking earlier this week, West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo used a very familiar turn of phrase when discussing the chances of a player who appears to have fallen out of favour.
In this instance, it was Adama Boiro the gaffer was speaking about when he said: “We have lots of left-backs, Morato, Scarles and Mayers. Everyone will get their chance.” Yet the on-loan defender has barely featured since arriving at the London Stadium on transfer deadline day.
At the time, the words sounded familiar, but it took my Hammers Chat partner in crime, Geo, to remind me that Nuno had sung the same tune when asked about James Ward-Prowse. Given how that particular situation unfolded, I’m not convinced Boiro should be getting his hopes up.
Boiro Could Be Facing a Familiar West Ham Problem
Now, let me make this absolutely clear. I have no particular axe to grind with Nuno not selecting Adama.
To be perfectly honest, the on-loan left-back could be good, bad or indifferent. I wouldn’t know because I’ve barely seen him play.
The likelihood is that the Senegalese defender was probably a third or fourth-choice emergency transfer deadline day signing to provide a little bit of cover. So Espírito Santo is well within his rights not to use him.
But I do believe his comments and continued selections suggest we’re unlikely to see Adama given a sustained run in the team.
And the comparison with James Ward-Prowse’s treatment under Nuno is difficult to ignore.
Morato celebrates scoring his first West Ham goal. The CB is now Nuno’s first choice left back.
West Ham May Need Another Left-Back in January
That in itself leaves West Ham with something of a predicament because I do believe this squad is lacking a proper attacking full-back, particularly on the left-hand side.
Morato has generally been selected for his defensive qualities, whilst Ollie Scarles is still developing. Neither has consistently provided the attacking outlet I’d like to see from that position.
It’s something I’ve mentioned previously when discussing what Boiro might offer West Ham, particularly his ability to get forward and support the winger.
Perhaps Adama will eventually get his opportunity and prove me wrong. I’d be delighted if he did.
But judging by Nuno’s selections so far, I’m not holding my breath.
And if that’s how things continue, Nils Koppen may well need to address the left-back position again during the January transfer window.