West Ham United fans have heaped praise on wing Arthur Masuaku after his impressive performance against Southampton at the weekend.
The DR Congo international starred as the Hammers ran out 3-0 winners at the London Stadium.
After goals from Joao Mario and Marko Arnautovic, left wing-back Masuaku announced his return from a six-match suspension with an outstanding assist for Marko Arnautovic’s second and West Ham’s third which put the game beyond the Saints.
David Moyes hailed the returning star’s performance on the day, saying: “We have missed the natural balance he brings, whether you see him as a left-back, a left wing-back or a left winger, he’s a little bit of all of them at different times in the game for us.
“In a way, I think he has benefited from his time off, because we’ve used that time to practice his finishing, his crossing and he’s positionally a little bit better. The cross he put in for Marko was terrific, so from that point of view, although it was six games it felt like six months we were missing him!”
Masuaku returned to action late last month after receiving a six-match ban for an incident in which he appeared to spit at Wigan’s Nick Powell during an FA clash in January.
And following his served spell on the sidelines, the fans are delighted to see him back in action …
https://twitter.com/_antxnio_/status/980097026900791296
It's quite clear Masuaku is now one of our most important players. His return was clear for all to see..
— theboleyn (@theboleyn) April 1, 2018
Actually think Masuaku will save our season, hes direct, pacey and skillful, everything that we've been missing.
Buzzing for tomorrow COYI
⚒⚒⚒
— ⚒Harris-Prince⚒ (@hashman88) March 30, 2018
The fact that we got Masuaku for £6M still amazes me.
— øłî⚒🫧 (@oliverrrwhu) April 2, 2018
How good was it to have Masuaku back? pic.twitter.com/V2I97ZkCND
— West Ham Network (@westhamnetwork) April 1, 2018
I go into it more in my talking points tomorrow, but Arthur Masuaku is absolutely key to West Ham. Pace, directness, skill, but most importantly – balance. West Ham are harder to play through when he’s at LWB. Attacking play gets the plaudits but he doesn’t shirk defensively.
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) March 31, 2018
Name a better LB in the prem than Masuaku.
— Taylor Harris ⚒ (@Taylor_Harrisss) April 1, 2018
What a cross by Masuaku for Arnautovic’s second.
— Chris Orr (@Chris_Oreos) March 31, 2018
The ball from Masuaku…😁 pic.twitter.com/JHlHN5yham
— Daily West Ham (@DailyWestHam) April 2, 2018
I don't want to overreact or anything but Arthur Masuaku is better than Roberto Carlos.
— West Ham (C)entral 🏆 (@WestHam_Central) March 31, 2018