Having allowed a little time to breathe and enjoy the positives from Wednesday night’s victory against Fulham, attention now turns to the slightly awkward conversation surrounding Callum Wilson.
Cast your mind back to mid-January, halfway through the transfer window, when it was generally accepted that West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo was quite willing to allow Wilson to leave the club. The striker’s departure was ultimately blocked by owner David Sullivan, who believed the Hammers simply could not afford to lose another forward given the lack of striking depth in the squad.
It’s an interesting situation and one where you can see the merits of both arguments.
Since West Ham’s recent upturn in form, one thing has become abundantly clear: Nuno wants his team to play with relentless energy from the front. The Hammers are pressing high, closing down aggressively and working hard out of possession.
Unfortunately for Wilson, that simply isn’t his game.
Wilson was a passenger against Fulham
West Ham’s High Press Leaves Wilson Struggling to Fit In
With the entire team pressing, tracking back and doing their defensive duties, Wilson’s inability to run and compete at the same intensity becomes far more noticeable. From that perspective, it’s easy to understand why Nuno may have considered him surplus to requirements in January.
Take West Ham’s second-half goal against Fulham as a perfect example. It arrived shortly after Wilson had left the pitch. Jarrod Bowen was able to operate more centrally and the goal itself came from the team’s pressing game, forcing a mistake from Fulham — something that simply wasn’t happening earlier in the match.
The side looked far more fluid after the introduction of Magassa in midfield, and with Freddie Potts and Pablo returning to contention, the competition for places is only increasing.
All things considered, it’s difficult to see Wilson featuring heavily in the Premier League run-in.
He may get an opportunity on Monday in the FA Cup against Brentford, but beyond that, his involvement could be limited as West Ham push towards survival.
I reckon he is handy coming off the bench .His wages are performance related so pretty shrewd business .He always likely to nick a goal .But as you he is not suited to the pressing game sadly .
He still has a role to play this season, but should be used as an impact sub rather than starting as you correctly say his playing style (plus age) is not suited for the way Nuno is asking his starting forwards to currently play. Equally, there is no place for Traore either (which is a bonus).
Yeah, but Wilson’s a proper no9, can’t see anyone else scoring one like that last minute winner against Spurs.
Sounds very plausible, Gonzo. Great spot. As you mention, we already have Magassa and Potts to return and at some stage Pablo or Adama can play this role alongside Taty.
Certainly not the time to blood any youngsters into the line though. We need the experience at the moment.
Callum Wilson will provide a very good option coming off the bench on our run-in this season.
COYI
I don’t think it was ever intended for him to play a lot of games, but football is a squad game and tactics are fluid so he is more than worthy of his place in the squad
One of the young forwards should be given a chance in the cup, it’s in the forward line we are light on good cover. No disrespect to Wilson. So find out a little bit more, could one or more of them raise their game for a 35 minute spell closing down at the front? Must be worth a try?
I follow your argument Gonzo – but it is also possible that Callum Wilson might come on as a late substitute and grab a goal that gets us points – he is here now – we can re-assess at the end of the season (depending of course on whether we avoid relegation)
COYI
I agree mate but think that will pretty much be it. I can’t see him starting anymore games unless injury strikes.
Should have kept Marshall in hindsight.
Whu along with money don’t have any hindsight.