West Ham United full-back, Aaron Cresswell has said that he is relishing the competition for places in Slaven Bilic's side after the arrival of Arthur Masuaku.
Keeping you on your toes
It seemed that Cresswell that would be the first-choice left-back going into the debut season of the London Stadium, however a knee ligament injury during the club's pre-season preparations saw him out for the seemingly long-term.
This forced the hand of Bilic to dip into the transfer market, with the signing of Masuaku from Olympiacos. The defender has certainly impressed in the club's opening three matches, and with Cresswell weeks away from a long-awaited return, he is relishing the competition for places.
“I hadn’t heard too much of Arthur but I think he’s done very well," Cresswell told whufc.com, and was adamant: “He’s been one of the most consistent players of ours over the three games we’ve played and he looks a very good signing."
The 26-year-old continued: “The gaffer has done very well this transfer window with the signings he’s made." He firmly stated to the club's site: "Hopefully when we’re all back together and fit and well, I’m sure it will give the gaffer a headache, but I’m sure he’ll like that headache to pick from the squad we’ve got."
Back on track
Cresswell was the first of what has become a long list of injuries for Bilic, with the likes of Andy Carroll, Sofiane Feghouli and record-signing Andre Ayew all on the treatment table. Yet with Cresswell nearing a return, he admitted that he is raring to go.
“I’m on the right track,” said the 26-year-old. “The main thing is that the knee is healing properly and that I don’t rush back and have to start again. I can’t cut corners and I’m working with the physio."
He continued: “I’m trying to get fitter and stronger and ready for the Premier League. To miss the opening game was very frustrating for me but in a way it’s a good thing because it’s something brilliant to come back for."
Cresswell concluded, "Hopefully I can get the knee right and come back fitter and stronger."
West Ham United will take on Watford at the London Stadium on Saturday, September 10 with kick-off at 3pm BST.