Can Nuno repeat his success with Elliot Anderson and make Mateus Fernandes a star at West Ham? | OneFootball

According to reports in the British media during the summer transfer window, then-manager of Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espírito Santo, identified Southampton’s Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes as a priority signing for the Europe-bound Reds.

Fast-forward a few months and Nuno finally got his man, albeit at West Ham United after landing in London following his sacking at Forest. Nuno’s new club had won the race for Fernandes in August, with the Hammers paying a substantial fee exceeding €45m to secure the 21-year-old.

“Mateus is a challenge that we have on our hands, and we sincerely believe that we can help Mateus,” Nuno said shortly after taking charge.

Being a fellow Portuguese, many West Ham fans would have expected Nuno to strike up an early rapport with his compatriot, particularly after Fernandes made a strong start in West Ham colours on the opening day in their win at Nuno’s Forest, but the former Porto boss took time to establish how to best use his no.18.

The midfielder was hauled off at half time during a depressing 2-0 home defeat to Brentford in Nuno’s third match in charge, which left the new manager with just one point from his first trio of outings. The previous week had seen some question Fernandes’ defensive instincts as Nuno’s side were beaten by Arsenal, as the new recruit struggled to repeat the impressive form of his debut.

Fernandes found himself dropped to the bench for the next match at Leeds United, which saw another defeat as the London side went down 2-1 to continue their slump following Nuno’s appointment to replace Graham Potter. However, Fernandes did emerge from the bench to score a consolation goal, which was rewarded with a return to the starting line-up.

“We have to make him happier”

Since Fernandes was recalled, West Ham have won two consecutive games, beating Newcastle 3-1 and Burnley 3-2, with Fernandes impressing in a dynamic midfield role. With undoubted technical quality allied to obvious physicality, Fernandes looks every bit the Premier-League-ready all-rounder Southampton prized from Sporting last summer.

“I think last year at Southampton, Mateus went through a very difficult year,” Nuno recently reflected. “It was a complicated year for him. The demands were tremendous. The fact of not having had many moments of genuine joy during the competition it wasn’t good either, so, let’s try to look for him to feel happier.

“I see that he has the capacity, the versatility of actually occupying several positions on the field. So, I believe that he can play inside, he can play on the outside, he can play, if we want, as a ‘ten’ or play as a ‘six’. He has that ability.

“[But which midfield partner is] better for Mateus to have by his side? Can he produce better? Therefore, this identification, if you will, of partnerships, of the communication between players, the triangles, the pivots, is what helps the players to improve.”

Fernandes vs Burnley:

Among the many astonishing things Nuno achieved during his spell at Nottingham Forest was his development of midfielder Elliot Anderson. Signed from Newcastle when Forest had narrowly escaped relegation, Nuno helped Anderson become one of the best-rated midfielders in the Premier League. England boss Thomas Tuchel recently described Anderson as a “key player” for the Three Lions ahead of the World Cup.

Such development of Fernandes would be most welcome to those of Portuguese interest, with the physicality, passing quality and endurance making the comparison with Anderson seamless. As Nuno said himself, his young countryman represents a challenge for him and his staff in the coming months.

“Fernandes can improve as a player, become a more mature person,” Nuno said of his emerging charge. “A young player is capable of, I believe, giving many, many joys to West Ham. We have something special there.”