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West Ham news: Pundit issues 'huge' Aaron Cresswell verdict after reveal
Noel Whelan has insisted West Ham made a mistake not strengthening in January after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, pointed to David Moyes’ decision to use Michail Antonio, 31, and Aaron Cresswell, 32, in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Sevilla as proof the Irons needed new recruits.
Speaking on Wednesday (16 March), David Moyes revealed the duo faced late fitness tests on Thursday to determine if they could feature against the Spanish side.
The defender played the full match, while the striker came off in injury time of added time.
Whelan admitted a lack of “top-quality” alternatives means Moyes is running his players into the ground.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You can’t afford to leave top-quality players like that out, especially when you’re at that stage of the competition.
“You’ve got to put them in there, you’ve got to give that opportunity. They don’t have that luxury of going to another number nine. Moyes doesn’t have the luxury of the quality that you get from Cresswell.
“This is what being a successful side brings, unfortunately, isn’t it? When you when you’re a successful side, you’re vying in different competitions and trying to finish in the Champions League spots.
“This is where you think to yourself: ‘Well, could we have done more in the January transfer window? To bolster and give that help that we need?’
“They’re having to squeeze every drop and ounce of quality, desire and energy from these players. They are going to need a lot of rest between now and the next game. There’s no doubt about that.
“You’ve got to give credit to the players putting in a shift week in, week out. They’re still keeping that level of performance. It’s a huge achievement, reaching the quarter-finals. It’s astounding.”
In other news, pundit claims West Ham already have Jarrod Bowen replacement in their ranks after “big” news.