How West Ham Setup Under Nuno.

Expected Lineup And Tactical Set Up

What Went Wrong Under Potter

Previously under Potter, West Ham never truly got going. There was consistent changes tactically across his tenure as they attempted to gain any sort of control on games and more defensive solidity. The players never truly looked comfortable or suited to what they were being asked. The numbers last season reflect this, they conceded 1.63 goals per game, and their expected goal difference sat at -12.7.

In possession, Potter’s team lacked threat. They ranked in the bottom 6 shots on target p90 and their xG per shot was incredibly poor. Thus the few chances they did create were of low quality. Defensively, their pressing was passive, and opponents could progress the ball centrally with ease. There’s a lot of work to be done.

Squad Overview

Their current squad when layed out is bizarre.

A real lack of options out wide, with numerous players who are simply not at the level of the Premier League. Their attacking options, albeit limited, do provide quality, wide threats of Bowen and Summerville is promising and a combination of Wilson or Fulkrug could bring goals, especially if the latter finds some sort of form.

Midfield has been a massive issue, especially when attempting to stop sides progressing centrally. To have six options with no real stand out quality is impressive. I like Magassa and will talk more about the French u21 international later on. However selecting a partner for the inexperienced 21-year-old is tricky.

Defensively, I do like their full backs. Diouf has started life in England well and is definitely a standout player, particularly offensively. Wan-Bissaka as well has plenty of experience and ability if focused to his strengths, whilst Walker-Peter’s provides decent cover on either side. Their centre halves are a worry, Kilman is underperforming and may suit his game being simplified, Mavropanos is an underrated player in my opinion and would be a better option than the wildly inconsistent Todibo. However, the word fragile does come to mind.

Expected Lineup And Tactical Set-Up

So, the new man Nuno what do you have for us? A replication of his time at Forest would be expected. A simple 4231 which focuses on defensive stability and creating chances through transitions.

I believe he will utilise something similar to the above. He must ensure there’s a balance in attempting to overhaul the squad and make numerous changes with fixing the issues.

A simple blueprint of compactness, verticality and moments of quality over control is the expectation. Especially early on I’d imagine they’ll be a real focus on defensive solidarity; often deploying a low block constricting play centrally and forcing balls outside. The height of the midfield two will aid this and they should be able to deal with balls into the box much more sufficiently with the replacement of Hermansen and Todibo. The Frenchman is in the 12^th percentile for Aerial’s won, whereas Mavropanos sits much higher at the 79^th percentile. From a 1v1 standpoint if given enough support AWB and Diouf are both adept defensively and thus allowing play in the wide areas should be beneficial.

Their main issue has been the midfield. A lack of legs, fundamentally.

Welcome the 6ft 2, mobile midfielder. Soungoutou Magassa was signed from Monaco for £17m this summer and should be a real asset under Nuno. A player who, as you can see above, excels out of possession is exactly what they need. A long-term goal to combine his defensive acumen with a more creative partnership of Paqueta and Fernandes is exciting, however for now I believe one will have to sacrificed whilst they gain control. Everyone knows Soucek. He’s fine, he’s alright at what he’s alright at, but he’s bad at what he’s bad at. For now however he might be necessary.

From an attacking perspective, any threat at all is an improvement, last season’s 0.08 xG Per shot is criminal and with quality such as Bowen, they must improve. A more vertical approach, utilising Summerville’s pace and 1v1 ability and Bowen moving of a fixed target in Fulkrug, implies that the fundamentals are there. If given the platform to play off, West ham can score goals and adding the creative impact that the likes of Diouf, Paqueta and Fernandes can provide, improvement is possible.

Ultimately, I think Nuno’s a really smart hire. It’s the obvious decision to make, as there’s a lack of quality managers available and the Portuguese manager brings a wealth of experience, but also the style of play necessary for West Ham to stay up. However, it’s an odd bunch of players and with the recent success promoted sides have had relegation is a serious threat and they need to improve fast in order to survive.