Not many West Ham United players have covered themselves in glory this season but Nuno Espirito Santo has one demand for Crysencio Summerville.
Summerville hasn’t scored this season but did record his third assist of the campaign during Tuesday’s heartbreaking defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The former Leeds star was also particularly unlucky to have seen a would-be goal ruled out by VAR after a tight offside call on Taty Castellanos in the build-up.
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It was unfortunate for Summerville and a decision that extended his barren run in the Premier League. Not since October 2024 has he found the back of the net in the competition.
Nuno is under huge pressure at West Ham and it remains to be seen just how long his tenure lasts.
However, even if his time as West Ham manager may be coming to an end, Nuno still found time to express one big area of improvement for Summerville.
Nuno Espirito Santo tells Crysencio Summerville to ‘exploit his actions’ better
Nuno was asked about the winger ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash against QPR.
He talked of the talent that Summerville possesses but urged the 24-year-old to “exploit his actions” better.
“For his confidence, it [a first goal this season] will be important,” he said during his pre-match press conference.
“He’s still looking for that goal. It’s not about only the goal, it’s how he plays. He’s a talented player that needs to exploit better his actions.
“We are trying. We are trying. Of course, that goal will mean a lot for him and for us.”
Quite what that means is up for debate. It really is rather vague.
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Why Jermain Defoe actually feels sorry for Crysencio Summerville right now
It wasn’t a great night for West Ham’s forwards against Forest.
Clearly, it doesn’t matter now, but Summerville did produce a fine finish against Sean Dyche’s side.
His volley was fantastic and offered at least a glimpse of his quality, although fans have not seen that enough since his move from Leeds.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
It does at least suggest there is something to work with, however.
Indeed, Jermain Defoe expressed sympathy for Summerville after his disallowed goal.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former Hammers forward said: “it was a fantastic finish from Summerville. Just unlucky.”
How much Summerville can actually take from Nuno’s words is unclear.
It is perhaps not the most helpful thing to say about a player who obviously needs clear direction at this stage.
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