First Team Squad

Player profile and performance records.

Arthur Masuaku (Defender)

Squad Number: 26
Position: Defender
Born: 7th Nov 1993 (Lille, France)
Signed: 8th Aug 2016 (£6,500,000)
Contract: 5 years + 2 year option (signed July 2019)
Previous Club: Olympiacos

KUMB Awards: Most Improved Player 2017/18 (runner-up); Best Signing (runner-up) 2016/17.

Masuaku spent six seasons at West Ham without ever nailing down a first team spot at the club.

He joined Turkish Superlig side Besiktas on a season-long loan with view to a permanent deal at the beginning of August 2022.

Masuaku's season-long loan deal was converted to a permanent contract in April 2023. West Ham received circa ??2million for the player.

2022/23 Match Notes & Ratings

Arthur Masuaku is yet play any matches this season.

2021/22 Match Notes & Ratings

Servette FC

2-0: Friday, 8th July

Did not play.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-3: Sunday, 22nd May

Did not play.

Manchester City

2-2: Sunday, 15th May

Did not play.

Arsenal

1-2: Sunday, 1st May

Did not play.

Chelsea

0-1: Sunday, 24th April

The odd lackadaisical moment, which we've come to expect, but actually quite a sharp performance. For his lack of minutes, he looked good. Defended reasonably well, got forward in attack and sent in two lovely crosses in the first half.

Burnley

1-1: Sunday, 17th April

Did not play.

Brentford

0-2: Sunday, 10th April

Did not play.

Lyon

1-1: Thursday, 7th April

Did not play.

Everton

2-1: Sunday, 3rd April

Did not play.

Tottenham

1-3: Sunday, 20th March

Just a sloppy error for the goal, but the kind he makes. Keep the ball and keep it simple in your own half, especially running back at your own goal and under pressure. Didn't have much of any influence going forward.

Seville

2-0: Thursday, 17th March

Did not play.

Aston Villa

2-1: Sunday, 13th March

Did not play.

Seville

0-1: Thursday, 10th March

(Replaced Fornals, 90) On for about 30 seconds.

Manchester United

0-1: Saturday, 22nd January

Did not play.

Leeds United

2-3: Sunday, 16th January

(Replaced Vlasic, 60) You couldn't say it was a substitution that worked as Masuaku didn't really change the game in any way. But he was neat enough on the ball, especially compared to some of his teammates, and offered energy.

Norwich

2-0: Wednesday, 12th January

(Replaced Vlasic, 77) Came on and added energy again from the bench, this time reigniting the left hand side and getting an assist.

Leeds United

2-0: Sunday, 9th January

(Replaced Vlasic, 88) No incident of note in his short spell.

Crystal Palace

3-2: Saturday, 1st January

(Replaced Johnson, 45) Came on with real energy and brought a good balance to the left side. His pace was important at the back, but as the game came entirely about whether Palace could break West Ham down, you're forcing him to do more disciplined defending and the cracks started to show.

Watford

4-1: Tuesday, 28th December

(Replaced Johnson, 82) A sharp and energetic cameo. Won the ball back well a few times in defence and his pace and running helped bring energy to the team.

Southampton

2-3: Sunday, 26th December

In dangerous positions, he turned promise into absolutely nothing on multiple occasions. He is not good enough in attack to make up for how bad he can be in defence. Will be lucky to start again.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-2: Wednesday, 22nd December

Started sharp and definitely combines well in short passing down the left. But his end product was non-existent.

Arsenal

0-2: Wednesday, 15th December

For all Saka looked dangerous, he actually achieved little against Masuaku. What was more disappointing was his work in the Arsenal half, where he was rarely good on the ball and his choices or delviery in the final third were poor. Did OK in defence, even if Saka shifted the balance so West Ham had to pull cover over to the left.

Burnley

0-0: Saturday, 11th December

Defensively very sharp, reacting quickly to loose balls and tackling with strength. On the front foot, Masuaku added a layer to the attack and the forward play looked poorer when the left back stayed back and protected the defence more.

Chelsea

3-2: Saturday, 4th December

(Replaced Johnson, 45) His best defensive performance for a long time and then he gets that fluke goal. Another who adds a dimension to our play by being comfortable in difficult situations and confident to move with it down the left.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Wednesday, 1st December

(Replaced Fornals, 76) Didn't offer an attacking threat and failed at his defensive job.

Manchester City

1-2: Saturday, 27th November

Relatively good start on the ball but he isn't a wing wizard who will destroy Manchester City. With that negated, he did his job until he didn't, and that was killer. He was selected because of his balance in helping defend the wide areas and made a vital mistake that cost a goal.

Rapid Vienna

2-0: Thursday, 25th November

Arguably the most impressive performer. Chances he created with sharp passing, some first time, and beating men on the dribble too. Carried the threat early on until others woke up a bit.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-1: Saturday, 20th November

Did not play.

Liverpool

3-2: Saturday, 6th November

(Replaced Benrahma, 86) Even a week ago, it seemed Masuaku was out of the manager’s plans and probably not trusted. Today, he’s thrown in to protect the lead during the tense ending and absolutely did his job.

Genk

2-2: Thursday, 4th November

He seems to have lost some pace, his confidence also gone with it as the dribbling maverick of years gone by was nowhere to be seen. Watching him, he looked unaware of where he was playing and the instructions he was meant to follow. To his credit, the ball across the goal to Benrahma deserved more, not only for the delivery but the vision to choose that pass with a simpler one on offer.

Aston Villa

4-1: Sunday, 31st October

Did not play.

Manchester City

0-0: Wednesday, 27th October

Looked rusty, which is unsurprising considering his slow return from injury and lack of football. Sharp moments, bursts of pace but moments when his usual standards slipped. Shooting was threatening and had real spite in his efforts.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Sunday, 24th October

Did not play.

Everton

1-0: Sunday, 17th October

Did not play.

Brentford

1-2: Sunday, 3rd October

Did not play.

Rapid Vienna

2-0: Thursday, 30th September

Did not play.

Manchester United

1-0: Wednesday, 22nd September

He gets the 7 rather than a 6 because he was responsible and aware when defending in front of and with Johnson. Looked short of sharpness on the ball and a step slower than at full flow.

Dinamo Zagreb

2-0: Thursday, 16th September

(Replaced Fornals, 81) Some dancing feet to raise a cheer.

2020/21 Match Notes & Ratings

Leicester City

3-2: Sunday, 11th April

Masuaku’s detractors will not have been surprised by the Jekyll and Hyde nature that made him an unstoppable ball-player one minute and a lazy, careless one the next. Some fantastic crosses, dribbled well and links well with the attacking players. But needs to be more disciplined on the ball in his own half.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

3-2: Monday, 5th April

Faded as it went on, but he looked like he hadn’t missed a step and was involved in the better passing play early on. His return at this moment is huge as players struggle with tiredness and others to injury. His pace and his footwork relieve a lot of pressure and also add a facet to the attacking play. Where the balance can be found will be interesting, whether a back five remains for the rest of the season or not.

Manchester United

1-3: Saturday, 5th December

It might just be that Aaron Wan-Bissaka, an excellent one-on-one defender, was too good for Masuaku's dribbling to expose. But he didn't really have an impact on the game, and we lose a lot when Masuaku isn't beating players.

Aston Villa

2-1: Saturday, 28th November

Didn't really come off for him in the first half, although by no means the worst performer and probably sacrificed due to the change of system, rather than his own performance.

Sheffield United

1-0: Sunday, 22nd November

Again, his ball skills were excellent and, at times, one of the only things keeping the game interesting. He pulls off the outrageous at least once a game. Couldn't quite find his radar on delivery, but made the big chance Haller should have scored and, after a poor start, was better defensively as the game went on.

Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 7th November

When we attacked well early, Masuaku was often involved. His pace scares defenders. But found it hard as Fulham defended deep, limiting space to dribble and jink through.

Liverpool

1-2: Saturday, 31st October

As mentioned, it was a perfect example of why there is lack of trust in him defensively. He is a bit too casual sometimes, and whilst that relaxed approach helps him to move with and pass the ball out of defence, the flip side can be moments like this. It would be unfair to round on him, it's the kind of error any defender can make, but it wasn't a surprise; it was a surprise only that it had not happened sooner. Excellent on the ball, as ever, and had the beating of Alexander-Arnold all day.

Manchester City

1-1: Saturday, 24th October

He’s quite confusingly our best footballer. His footwork is, and was especially today, outrageous, especially in defence where he is never rushed or panicked. Even against City, he took the ball down in the box and ran out with it rather than just punting the ball.

Tottenham Hotspur

3-3: Sunday, 18th October

For a period of the first half, he was the only player Tottenham couldn't a hold of. His influence faded, and his final delivery never really got up to the standards needed, but his use of the ball, play under pressure and dribbling are unique in the side and vital.

Leicester City

3-0: Sunday, 4th October

Contained himself a bit more than usual today, especially in the second half, but still threatened and notably kept the left side locked down. Castagne has been a revelation for Leicester, he was a non-entity today. One gorgeous pass worth noting in the second half.

Charlton Athletic

3-0: Tuesday, 15th September

It was all set up ideally for Masuaku. Very little defending, consistent chance to bomb forward. He did so with aplomb and looked dangerous all night. Definitely knocking on the door.

Brentford

2-1: Saturday, 29th August

(Replaced Cresswell, 45) Thrown in at full back at the break and looked just as effective as he usually does there. So not particularly.

Wycombe Wanderers

5-1: Tuesday, 25th August

n/a

Manchester United

1-1: Wednesday, 22nd July

(Replaced Cresswell) Hard to come on and make a difference at that point, but he added pace and some impetus to a tired left side.

Watford

3-1: Friday, 17th July

Did not play.

Norwich City

4-0: Saturday, 11th July

(Replaced Fornals) Played left wing, which might be a sign of what Moyes thinks of him.

Burnley

0-1: Wednesday, 8th July

Did not play.

2019/20 Match Notes & Ratings

Manchester United

1-1: Wednesday, 22nd July

(Replaced Cresswell) Hard to come on and make a difference at that point, but he added pace and some impetus to a tired left side.

Watford

3-1: Friday, 17th July

Did not play.

Norwich City

4-0: Saturday, 11th July

(Replaced Fornals) Played left wing, which might be a sign of what Moyes thinks of him.

Burnley

0-1: Wednesday, 8th July

Did not play.

Southampton

3-1: Saturday, 29th February

Did not play.

Manchester City

0-2: Wednesday, 19th February

Was beaten once or twice one-on-one, but that’s going to happen when you spend 90 minutes being told to defend. More switched on and prepared to defend than he has been recently.

Liverpool

0-2: Wednesday, 29th January

The second Liverpool goal was appalling defending by Masuaku, just weak football. But, and it really should be noted aside the usual anger with Masuaku’s inconsistent defending, he was the man who drove West Ham forward the most, had the most touches, played well in tight areas and the only man who could run at Liverpool and worry them. He is going to be vital, at least without Antonio and Anderson.

West Bromwich Albion

0-1: Saturday, 25th January

A very busy night for Masuaku, who Moyes clearly views as someone with more to offer going forward - hence his inclusion at wing back.

Sheffield United

0-1: Friday, 10th January

Masuaku was both impressive and frustrating. His dribbling looked good, his short passing was fast and controlled. But there’s little end product, so whilst he made his way up and down the flank well, he needs to prove he can do damage at the sharp end. Not bad, but a little lacking.

Gillingham

2-0: Sunday, 5th January

A very busy night for Masuaku, who Moyes clearly views as someone with more to offer going forward - hence his inclusion at wing back.

Southampton

1-0: Saturday, 14th December

Did not play.

Arsenal

1-3: Saturday, 7th December

(Replaced Cresswell) Gutless. Gets a lot of support from some West Ham fans because he’s fast and runs at people, but his basic fundamentals in defence are appalling for the majority of the time. He allowed Pepe to do as he pleased.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-2: Wednesday, 4th December

Did not play.

Oxford United

0-4: Wednesday, 25th September

A bad night for Arthur, back in the team following his recent red card. The slip, whilst unfortunate, was damaging and costly.

Aston Villa

0-0: Monday, 16th September

It's a very harsh second yellow, considering how little contact there was, but he made the challenge and had been booked for similar before. Hadn't delivered a decent ball in the game before that but was passing neatly.

Norwich City

2-0: Saturday, 31st August

Threatened rarely but did see the odd moment where Aarons got round him. But he was otherwise excellent and his crossing superb, which earned the first goal.

Watford

3-1: Saturday, 24th August

Was exposed often by lack of work ahead of him, but got into the game at both ends. Neat passing, as ever.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Saturday, 17th August

On the ball, it is clear that he is necessary for Pellegrini’s full back plan to work. Lingering question marks over his defensive brain, which remain after his performance today. Not awful, but little moments worry.

Athletico Bilbao

2-2: Saturday, 3rd August

(Replaced Cresswell) A couple of attacks down the left wing were his only notable involvements.

2018/19 Match Notes & Ratings

Watford

4-1: Sunday, 12th May

He’ll forever be frustrating, as the basics he needs to improve on seem so definite not to be improved. A lovely footballer, especially going forward.

Leicester City

2-2: Saturday, 20th April

A threat in their half and put in some gorgeous crosses. But the right winger scored unimpeded so could be doing better.

Chelsea

0-2: Monday, 8th April

Did not play.

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 30th March

Did not play.

Huddersfield Town

4-3: Saturday, 16th March

Did not play.

Cardiff City

0-2: Saturday, 9th March

Did not play.

Cardiff City

0-2: Saturday, 9th March

Did not play.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Saturday, 9th February

Did not play.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Saturday, 9th February

Did not play.

Liverpool

1-1: Monday, 4th February

(Replaced Anderson) No time to do anything wrong.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-3: Tuesday, 29th January

He was often left exposed, but dealt with nothing in a good way.

AFC Wimbledon

2-4: Saturday, 26th January

Not a left back. Often needs a run of games to get into things, but this was embarrassing. Exposed and beaten down the left around 8 times. Has no awareness when defending a runner at the far post.

Bournemouth

0-2: Saturday, 19th January

Arsenal

1-0: Saturday, 12th January

Birmingham City

2-0: Saturday, 5th January

It was all down his side that the real worries came. If he wants his place back, he cannot play anything like this when given the chance.

Brighton & Hove Albion

2-2: Wednesday, 2nd January

Burnley

0-2: Sunday, 30th December

Southampton

2-1: Thursday, 27th December

Watford

0-2: Saturday, 22nd December

Fulham

2-0: Saturday, 15th December

Crystal Palace

3-2: Saturday, 8th December

Confidence on the ball was definitely notable, deserved an assist for his late cross to Hernandez. Not the lost cause some discarded him as.

Cardiff City

3-1: Tuesday, 4th December

Newcastle United

3-0: Saturday, 1st December

(Replaced Cresswell) Beaten a couple of times, but nothing of note.

Manchester City

0-4: Saturday, 24th November

Brought back into the side, likely to be pushed straight out. At fault for every first half goal. Replaced at half time. Let the rest of the defence down.

Huddersfield Town

1-1: Saturday, 10th November

Did not play.

Burnley

4-2: Saturday, 3rd November

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-3: Wednesday, 31st October

Leicester City

1-1: Saturday, 27th October

Much better, from a defensive perspective, for a player perhaps better suited to a more expansive role.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-1: Saturday, 20th October

Brighton & Hove Albion

0-1: Friday, 5th October

Manchester United

3-1: Saturday, 29th September

Had a decent game but vitally switched off twice - once when Lukaku hit the post, and later for Rashford's goal.

Chelsea

0-0: Sunday, 23rd September

One of his most efficient performances at left back so far this season.

AFC Wimbledon

3-1: Tuesday, 28th August

Once again his ability to defend competetnly as this level has been called into question. Targeted specifically during the first half, he endured a torrid time.

Arsenal

1-3: Saturday, 25th August

Still defensively suspect, yet Pellegrini persist on using him at full back.

Bournemouth

1-2: Saturday, 18th August

Another performance that would suggest Masuaku's best position is not at full back. His most notable contribution was a mazy, first half run that left three AFCB players in his wake.

Liverpool

0-4: Sunday, 12th August

Once again his ability to defend competetnly as this level has been called into question. Targeted specifically during the first half, he endured a torrid time.

2017/18 Match Notes & Ratings

Everton

3-1: Sunday, 13th May

Comments to follow.

Manchester United

0-0: Thursday, 10th May

Comments to follow.

Leicester City

2-0: Saturday, 5th May

Comments to follow.

Manchester City

1-4: Sunday, 29th April

Comments to follow.

Arsenal

1-4: Sunday, 22nd April

Comments to follow.

Stoke City

1-1: Monday, 16th April

Comments to follow.

Chelsea

1-1: Sunday, 8th April

Comments to follow.

Wigan Athletic

0-2: Saturday, 27th January

Comments to follow.

Bournemouth

1-1: Saturday, 20th January

Was full of energy in the first half attacking with purpose and beating players with ease. Was relatively weak in defence in the closing stages of the match allowing crosses to be put into the box from his side.

Shrewsbury Town

1-0: Tuesday, 16th January

Composed and brave enough to get West Ham on the counter as opposed to just clearing his lines. Sometimes even a bit too eager to get forward. His amazing skills singlehandedly set up Ayew who nearly put West Ham in front just after conceding.

Huddersfield Town

4-1: Saturday, 13th January

Not one of his more notable outings, although he has set the bar particularly high in recent weeks.

Shrewsbury Town

0-0: Sunday, 7th January

Comments to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Thursday, 4th January

Composed and brave enough to get West Ham on the counter as opposed to just clearing his lines. Sometimes even a bit too eager to get forward. His amazing skills singlehandedly set up Ayew who nearly put West Ham in front just after conceding.

West Bromwich Albion

2-1: Tuesday, 2nd January

Just wasn't at the races. Careless with his control losing the ball too many times.

Bournemouth

3-3: Tuesday, 26th December

Was full of energy in the first half attacking with purpose and beating players with ease. Was relatively weak in defence in the closing stages of the match allowing crosses to be put into the box from his side.

Newcastle United

2-3: Saturday, 23rd December

One of the only players on the West Ham team willing to get forward with intent, his nifty and tidy footwork getting him out of sticky situations.

Arsenal

0-1: Tuesday, 19th December

Comments to follow.

Arsenal

0-0: Wednesday, 13th December

Comments to follow.

Chelsea

1-0: Saturday, 9th December

Was full of energy in the first half attacking with purpose and beating players with ease. Was relatively weak in defence in the closing stages of the match allowing crosses to be put into the box from his side.

Manchester City

1-2: Sunday, 3rd December

Comments to follow.

Everton

0-4: Wednesday, 29th November

Comments to follow.

Leicester City

1-1: Friday, 24th November

Though his crossing wasn't good , he was a constant threat on the wing, prepared to run at defenders and put them in a spot of bother.

Watford

0-2: Sunday, 19th November

(Replaced Arnautovic) Comments to follow.

Liverpool

1-4: Saturday, 4th November

Did not play.

Crystal Palace

2-2: Saturday, 28th October

(Replaced Cresswell) Comments to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur

3-2: Wednesday, 25th October

Did not play.

Brighton & Hove Albion

0-3: Friday, 20th October

Little profit on the left.

Burnley

1-1: Saturday, 14th October

No comments.

Swansea City

1-0: Saturday, 30th September

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-3: Saturday, 23rd September

Did not play.

Bolton Wanderers

3-0: Tuesday, 19th September

Comments to follow.

West Bromwich Albion

0-0: Saturday, 16th September

Did not play.

West Bromwich Albion

0-0: Saturday, 16th September

Did not play.

Huddersfield Town

2-0: Monday, 11th September

Did not play.

Newcastle United

0-3: Saturday, 26th August

Did not play.

Cheltenham Town

2-0: Wednesday, 23rd August

Started off poorly, continuously attempting to dribble his way out of defence only to be caught in possession. However in the second half he made the correct decisions and still maintained his flair in more attacking positions.

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Arthur Masuaku (Defender)

Arthur Masuaku

2022/23 Match Notes & Ratings

2022/23 Match Notes & Ratings

2021/22 Match Notes & Ratings

2021/22 Match Notes & Ratings

Servette FC

Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester City

Arsenal

Chelsea

Burnley

Brentford

Lyon

Everton

Tottenham

Seville

Aston Villa

Seville

Manchester United

Leeds United

Norwich

Leeds United

Crystal Palace

Watford

Southampton

Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal

Burnley

Chelsea

Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester City

Rapid Vienna

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Liverpool

Genk

Aston Villa

Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur

Everton

Brentford

Rapid Vienna

Manchester United

Dinamo Zagreb

2020/21 Match Notes & Ratings

2020/21 Match Notes & Ratings

Leicester City

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester United

Aston Villa

Sheffield United

Fulham

Liverpool

Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur

Leicester City

Charlton Athletic

Brentford

Wycombe Wanderers

Manchester United

Watford

Norwich City

Burnley

2019/20 Match Notes & Ratings

2019/20 Match Notes & Ratings

Manchester United

Watford

Norwich City