Lots of West Ham United fans have been reacting on social media after the London Stadium outfit celebrated the four-year anniversary of Arthur Masuaku’s arrival.
Masuaku joined the Hammers from Olympiakos in 2016 for a reported £6million as former manager Slaven Bilic looked to strengthen his option at full-back after Aaron Creswell was ruled out for up to four months with a knee ligament injury.
The 26-year-old’s debut year in the Premier League would only feature 13 appearances, however, as Masuaku would suffer with a knee injury that meant he was forced to sit out 19 matches.
That set the tone for his early days in east London, which have since featured regular time out of the starting line-up.
Masuaku only made 17 top-flight outings during the 2019/20 campaign, with all but two of his league appearances coming before the season was put on pause due to the worsening coronavirus pandemic.
He also only had a hand in one goal during the recently-concluded term, with his sole assist coming on matchday four in a 2-0 win over Norwich City – one of only five Premier League victories Masuaku would be involved in.
So when the Irons shared a post on Twitter celebrating Masuaku’s four-years in claret and blue, lots of supporters reacted by slamming the DR Congo international.
Absolute show pony. How fans like him I have absolutely no idea. Only remembered for one skill move against Spurs away. Garbage player https://t.co/thJZ4rSKHD
— Jack Fleming (@jack_fleming8) August 8, 2020
Still no better than he was when he signed. Can’t defend & distinctly average as a winger.
— Wil Field 🏴⚒ (@wilfield71) August 8, 2020
You know he is bad when you have to use videos from three seasons ago. https://t.co/EqxhiQ7XV8
— Lee Woolward (@Leewoolward) August 8, 2020
I notice there is no defending in the clips package
— Paul Mitchell ⚒ (@pmitchell1969) August 8, 2020
It’s amazing how this video makes him look quality 😂 https://t.co/iOEo9xhKHl
— West Ham Gossip (@westham_gossip) August 8, 2020
Some West Ham fans still believe there is more potential to unlock from Masuaku, who they feel could benefit from playing higher up the field.
Masuaku has made 27 of his 80 Premier League appearances at left-midfield, from where he has provided the same number of assists (three) as he has from left-back.
Start playing 3 atb and let the boy shine https://t.co/MtyEnR8aSn
— Azard🇳🇬🦅 (@Aztroooo) August 8, 2020
West Ham signed Masuaku four years ago and still, after four years, haven’t had the insight to realise he isn’t suited at LB and needs to feature more further up the pitch. West Ham fans saw this within a few games – the club still seem to be figuring this out after four years.
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) August 8, 2020
Play him on the wing 🙏⚒️ #WHUFC https://t.co/iV8SYpqqsD
— West Ham News & Views ⚒️ (@WHUFC_News_6) August 8, 2020
Play him on the wing
— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) August 8, 2020