‘We have our Declan Rice replacement’ – West Ham fans wowed by player who won 16 ground duels vs Brighton
West Ham supporters were overjoyed by Mateus Fernandes’ performance in their 1-1 draw with Brighton on 7 December.
Nuno Espirito Santo would’ve felt aggrieved not to have claimed all three points after former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that Georginio Rutter’s equaliser against West Ham should’ve been disallowed.
The Hammers proved to be a tricky test for the Seagulls as the Portuguese manager continues to work his magic.
Whilst West Ham fans were outraged by Crysencio Summerville’s display against Brighton, supporters were also quick to recognise the phenomenal performance of Fernandes.
West Ham fans delighted with Mateus Fernandes purchase as ‘the best thing Graham Potter did’
Fernandes left Southampton to join West Ham last summer and has quickly asserted his dominance in the midfield.
The 21-year-old has started 12 of the Irons’ 13 Premier League games and has maintained a remarkable level of consistency with his performances.
Against the Seagulls, the Portuguese was strong in the middle of the park, winning 16 of his 17 ground duels.
To add to his stunning defensive display, the former Saint also made four interceptions, six recoveries and racked up three clearances.
| Selected stats vs Brighton (7 December) | Mateus Fernandes |
| Minutes played | 82 |
| Tackles (won) | 8 (5) |
| Interceptions | 4 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Ground duels (won) | 17 (16) |
Moreover, Fernandes’ protection of the ball was a delight to watch as he only lost possession on nine occasions as well as being fouled five times, giving the Hammers ample opportunity to take a breather.
It certainly feels like the number 18 has been the signing of the season for the Irons and fans were amazed by what they saw from the midfielder.
One supporter said: “In Mateus Fernandes we have our Declan rice replacement. This boy is on another level and will only get better. Get him tied down to a long-term contract.” with another adding: “Mateus Fernandes is the best thing Graham Potter did with this football club.”
Roberto Martinez will be monitoring Fernandes closely for Portugal ahead of 2026 World Cup
Unsurprisingly, several players on the fringes of their national teams will be hungry to make a major impact to impress in a bid to land a spot in their respective World Cup squads next summer.
Fernandes, who is yet to play for Portugal’s senior team, will be looking at the 2026 global championships as the ideal opportunity to push into Roberto Martinez’s plans.
The Seleção das Quinas already have arguably one of the best midfield’s in world football, with the likes of Joao Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes all first-choice at the moment.
However, the ex-Southampton starlet could still see himself push for a spot in Martinez’s squad ahead of next summer as his first step to making his mark on his national team.
The 21-year-old should be seen as the future of the Portugal midfield and, if he maintains his current form, there should be no doubt he could force his way into the team.