Arthur Masuaku ‘knows what to expect’ ahead of West Ham reunion with Sunderland
Sunderland signing Arthur Masuaku will be reunited with West Ham this weekend.
The 31-year-old joined the Stadium of Light outfit on 10 August to add valuable depth to Regis Le Bris‘ side.
Sunderland are expected to be relegated from the Premier League, but the hope will be that the likes of the DR Congo defender and Granit Xhaka’s experience can help them survive.
Masuaku may feature when the Black Cats open their season against the Hammers on 16 August.
Mackem News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
PL Expert shares Masuaku verdict for Sunderland
Le Bris admitted that he will make a late decision on Masuaku’s involvement in Sunderland’s opening game after not having much time to work with him.
Darke believes that Masuaku’s experience in the top-flight could be a vital asset as he knows the standards that need to be set.
- Masuaku made 105 appearances for West Ham in the Premier League
- Notched one goal and nine assists in those matches
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “It is a bit of extra cover, he is just another body in that area of the pitch for them.
“He was not great and never really established himself at West Ham. Aaron Cresswell, during his time there, was the main left-back, so he would have only played when he was not fit.
“In and out of the team, at least he has played in the Premier League, so he knows what to expect.”
Masuaku deal makes sense for all parties
It was a deal that made sense for every party. Masuaku was a free agent, so he ended up playing in the English top-flight once again.
Meanwhile, for the Mackems, they needed defensive experience, and he is not exactly going to command high wages after a solid but unimpressive stint with the London Stadium outfit.
It will not be the type of signing that keeps them in the division, but it is another player with experience of how things work at the top level, which they were previously lacking.
If he gets on the pitch and helps Sunderland to stay up, then it is a very shrewd move.
If he does not, then he can help younger, less experienced players deal with the pressure of being at that level for the first time.
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