West Ham have a decision to make in the summer in regard to the future of Aaron Cresswell after what Graham Potter has done in recent weeks.
Last week’s 2-0 victory against Leicester City was the second win in a row for West Ham, but was also the second time that Potter experimented with a different style of play.
Starting with the clash at the Emirates, Potter opted to go with a five-back formation for the Irons in an attempt to nullify any attacking threat from Arsenal, and it worked a treat, with Jarrod Bowen scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win.
That formation remained for the next clash against the Foxes, and although it was slow at times, it once again proved effective, and it seems as though it could be the go-to style for Potter for the foreseeable.
However, that change in style cannot be allowed to influence their decision over a contract for Cresswell ahead of the summer window.
West Ham must refrain from offering Cresswell a new deal
One of the players who appears to have benefitted massively from the change in formation is Cresswell, after he impressed in the win against Arsenal.
The 35-year-old signed a new one-year deal last summer, which will run until the end of the current campaign, but for the former point alone, the Irons need to seek greener pastures.
Cresswell turns 36 this year, and while he has been able to contribute effectively over the last few weeks, there will be question marks over his ability to do that over the next 12 months if they were to offer him a new deal.
There is no doubt that Cresswell has been an excellent servant for the Irons, but he finds himself in a similar position to Vladimir Coufal in the sense that their best days are now behind them.
With that said, if he is to depart, he will need to be replaced with someone who possesses similar attributes to Cresswell but has the ability to contribute over a longer period of time.
West Ham must back Potter in the summer window
Now, when it comes to backing a manager, many assume it means in terms of finances, which is partially true.
However, if West Ham are to back Potter this summer, they simply have to be able to bring in the players capable of adding quality to the style of play that is preferred by I’m.
As it stands, it seems as though Potter’s preference is a five at the back formation, which would immediately spell out the need for specific positions for that style to be effective.
With it looking as though the current season will come to nothing, West Ham need to do everything possible to avoid a repeat of that next campaign.
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