Pundit verdict on Aaron Cresswell being bombed out after confirmed West Ham news
Emerson Palmieri’s arrival does not mean Aaron Cresswell’s West Ham career is over, according to Alan Hutton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Tottenham and Scotland defender claimed Cresswell has lacked competition for his place in the starting XI in recent years.
West Ham confirmed last week (23 August) that they had signed Emerson from Chelsea on a four-year contract.
Sky Sports reported the same day (23 August) that the Hammers will pay the Blues a potential fee of £15million including add-ons.
He made his debut for the club, alongside Cresswell in a back five, in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday (28 August) but was dragged off at half-time as David Moyes changed the system.
“He’s definitely coming in to give him competition,” Hutton told Football Insider correspondent Charlotte Cohen.
“I don’t think Cresswell has had a whole load [of competition] in the last couple of seasons.
“He’s been outstanding, let’s not kid ourselves. His delivery from set plays and open play has been very good.
“I think, obviously, they are looking to the future now with who can come in and take over.
“They lost their first three games which is not ideal so they are looking at reinforcements. I don’t think David Moyes will be done in the transfer market and that’s a good signing.”
Emerson played 71 times across all competitions at Chelsea, including 33 appearances in the Premier League.
The Itlay international won the European Championships with his country last summer (2021) and started the victory over England in the final.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has issued a “furious” West Ham fans claim amid a new legal controversy.