West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell is enjoying a successful season. His side got off to a strong start in the league, and Cresswell himself has been a strong addition to the Hammers. He has 29 league appearances under his belt, but is rarely mentioned by the media.
Cresswell also missed out on an opportunity to play for his country under Roy Hodgson.
Aaron Cresswell signed for West Ham from Ipswich in July 2014. He scored his first goal at Upton Park back in November. This goal was the difference between the home side and visiting Newcastle, with Cresswell being named Man of the Match for his winning performance.
Following this clash, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce referred to Aaron Cresswell as ‘Mr Dependable’. He has been a constant in his side despite the fact he had no experience in the Premier League before August. Yet as he is not one of the higher profile debutants, he has been overlooked over the last season.
When Roy Hodgson released his selections for the Euro 2016 qualifiers, Harry Kane getting his call up was big news – unsurprising, given his season – but Aaron Cresswell was omitted from the squad selection.
Talk had began of an England call up for the West Ham player earlier in the season but it amounted to nothing. Is this down to the side he plays for? Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw were included in the selection, despite the injury woes they have faced this season. But both play for clubs who are further up in the Premier League table.
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Hodgon’s side has come under scrutiny for potentially being chosen on their team’s merit, rather than individual performance.
Cresswell’s debut season has not gone completely unnoticed though. It is being speculated that Manchester City are monitoring the 25-year-old, with intentions to bring him to the Etihad in the summer transfer window.
Manchester City are looking to bring English talent to their side and Aaron Cresswell would be a great addition if he can maintain his momentum from this season. Or could he just be another Scott Sinclair, signed off the back of a good season yet ends up rotting on the substitutes bench?
He may not be the biggest name in the league, but Cresswell has put in some great performances for a Premier League newbie. His exclusion from the England squad can be considered more of a reflection of the manager rather than the individual.
He has established himself in his club squad and received some great praise from his own boss. He is even tipped to be awarded Player of the Year for the Hammers. He may be underrated for now, but he won’t be for long.
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