West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been urged to end his tactical tinkering and cement a fledgling midfield partnership, following a strong endorsement from club legend Tony Cottee.
Tony Cottee's Verdict on West Ham's Midfield
Speaking exclusively to London World, former Hammers striker Cottee delivered a clear message to the current boss. He believes the inconsistent results, which have seen the team struggle for clean sheets, demand a settled core. Cottee pinpointed the central pairing of academy graduate Freddie Potts and summer signing Mateus Fernandes as the foundation Nuno must build upon.
The 21-year-old Fernandes, a £40 million acquisition from Southampton, initially required time to adapt to his new surroundings. However, Cottee noted the Portuguese youngster is now showing his promise with a run of games. His development, argues the pundit, has been significantly aided by the presence of Potts alongside him.
The Rise of Freddie Potts
While Fernandes represents a major financial investment, the emergence of Freddie Potts feels like a valuable new signing from within. Having been at the club since 2009, the midfielder's path to the first team was solidified by an impressive loan spell at Portsmouth last season.
After finding minutes hard to come by under previous manager Graham Potter, Potts has become a regular starter under Nuno. Cottee was effusive in his praise, stating: "I think I'd like to pay tribute to Freddie because I think Freddie has made a difference to the team when he's played. He certainly knits it all together and he gives players like Fernandes a chance to get around the pitch and do what he's good at."
The Search for Balance and Consistency
Cottee highlighted that the duo have brought a crucial element of athleticism and energy to a midfield that previously lacked it. He emphasised the perennial challenge for any manager: finding the perfect balance between industry and creativity in the engine room.
"You can't have a load of workers in the team and no-one who can create or score, but you also can't have footballers in the team and no-one who works," Cottee explained. He believes the combination of Potts's diligence and Fernandes's burgeoning talent offers that necessary equilibrium.
Despite the wealth of attacking options at the club—including Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, and Callum Wilson—Cottee insists stability at the back is key. He acknowledged Nuno's ongoing experimentation with formations, switching between a back three and a back four, but stressed that a consistent midfield shield is the first step towards defensive solidity.
When pressed directly for his preferred midfield combination, Cottee's answer was unequivocal: "Oh, it's definitely Pottsy and Fernandes. Those two players, definitely." His comments come as West Ham face a demanding festive schedule, with a trip to Manchester City on Saturday followed by a home fixture against Fulham on December 27th.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who took over a squad he did not assemble, continues to evaluate his options ahead of the January transfer window. However, according to one of the club's most revered former players, the solution to his midfield conundrum is already staring him in the face.
