AdminNuno Espírito Santo appears to have finally found the right role for Mohamadou Kanté after experimenting with his midfield during West Ham’s opening Championship fixtures.
Kanté and Freddie Orford were both rotated in and out, while James Ward-Prowse was quickly moved aside as Nuno waited for two late arrivals who have since transformed his midfield.
The partnership of Engels and Mukasa has provided the balance and stability West Ham needed, giving the team a stronger platform both defensively and going forward.
It has also brought an end to Nuno’s experiment of using Kanté as a defensive midfielder.
The 20-year-old Frenchman has looked a completely different player when given licence to attack. He scored against Derby before producing a stunning finish against Wrexham, charging into space before finding the net.
He also provided an assist against Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup when used as a forward-running attacking option.
As Greenstreethammers.com suggest;
“Three different moments, three different phases of the season, and the common thread is identical: Kanté with the ball at his feet and grass in front of him….
Kanté’s best moments this season have all come with him facing forward, attacking space rather than building play from deep.”
Nuno now seems to understand how to maximise Kanté’s explosive qualities. With his pace and power, the youngster could become one of the Championship’s most exciting players this season.
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