West Ham defender Emerson Palmieri has had a strong start to the season after replacing Aaron Cresswell as first-choice left-back.
The Italian international initially struggled following his arrival from Chelsea for £13m last year, but he has begun to play consistently well in recent weeks.
Supporters on X have been keen to recognise Emerson for his performances, with some feeling that the fullback doesn’t get the credit he deserves:
He is a really gifted player. Him and Paqueta have got the touch and feed off each other, and are tough tacklers. Always thought he was a bargin signing.
— Hammer WHU (@Hammer_WHU) October 9, 2023
He never fails to impress me , His the unsung hero of the team ,I like his play , I like it a lot ..
— andrew perendes (@Giddy1113) October 9, 2023
He started shakey, however, last season and the beginning of this season he’s been excellent, maybe a better understanding with paqueta.
— steve levis (@stevelevis5) October 9, 2023
Won’t pretend I was his biggest fan. Based on his start of the season he’s been immense.
— The Super Chad (@TheSuperChad_69) October 9, 2023
I think he's class, that yellow card on Sunday was a joke
— Nathan Franklin ⚒ (@NthnFrnkln) October 9, 2023
he's very good.
— burner (@burner52638853) October 10, 2023
Emerson had a great game against Newcastle at the weekend
The 29-year-old’s performance in the 2-2 draw versus Newcastle on Sunday was one of his best since arriving at the London Stadium.
Emerson provided the assist for Tomas Soucek’s opening goal, and he was a constant threat down the left flank. He has also improved defensively over the last 12 months.
He has a great understanding with a West Ham teammate
Lucas Paqueta looks to be on the exact same wavelength as Emerson, which certainly helps when building up attacks on the left flank.
The latest example of their understanding came against the Magpies when Paqueta’s delightful pass found Emerson in space, before the Italian crossed for Soucek to score a tap-in.
The left-back is really playing with a lot of confidence at the moment, and the fact that manager David Moyes has started him in every league game this campaign is a testament to that.
Watch a recap of the weekend action in the Premier League on Shots! TV here
