If Nuno Espirito Santo had any plans to introduce a third midfielder during West Ham United’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday, the poor recent form of Soungoutou Magassa and Freddie Potts may make him think again.

Magassa and Potts have started two Premier League games apiece since being hauled off during the 3-0 mauling at Molineux on January 4th.

And when we at Hammers News asked if you would make any changes from the team which lost heavily at Brentford last time out, it felt telling that Magassa picked up a miniscule portion of the vote. Around four per cent, in fact.

What changes would you make to this team and why? 👀

The Frenchman signed in a £14 million deal from Monaco appears to have lost the faith of Nuno Espirito Santo, as well as sections of the West Ham United fanbase.

When it comes to Freddie Potts, is his homegrown status a help or a hindrance? Will the Barking-born academy graduate be afforded more patience and faith than a player brought in from outside, see Soungoutou Magassa? Or, with father Steve part of Nuno’s coaching staff, will we one day reach a situation where Potts’ involvement is seen as more emotionally-driven than anything else?

Freddie Potts and Sountougou Magassa debate rages at West Ham United

We asked our Talking Point readers what you would do with Magassa and Potts, if you were in Nuno’s shoes. At the time of writing, 45 per cent of you are in favour of giving the youngsters another shot in 2026/27.

On the other hand, a sizeable 30 per cent of you voted in favour of selling both players.

It appears that, while Nuno would finally settle on Tomas Soucek and Mateus Fernandes as his first-choice midfield pairing, not everybody at the London Stadium is aligned regarding what the future should hold for a seldom-seen duo who have featured in a combined 450 Premier League minutes since that Wolves debacle four months ago.

Mixed views about Nuno Espirito Santo’s out-of-favour duo

“Both will be used more in the Championship. It’s their level,” one fan writes on our Facebook page.

While it is easy to see such a comment as rather dismissive, said supporter does have a point perhaps. Potts won Portsmouth’s Young Player of the Year award in the Championship last season. Magassa would maybe come into his own as well, against lower-quality opposition and with a full pre-season under his belt.

“The majority of the squad we have are not strong enough to play in the Premier League, minus a couple of players,” another writes. “I can see why this season has gone the way it has…”

What sort of role should Potts and Magassa play next season?

Do you still have faith in the young duo?

“To be fair, we have two very good central midfield players who are well ahead of them [Fernandes and Soucek]. For now…”

“Improvements are definitely needed, but these players are not the worst. However, we do need players that improve us for the Prem.”

“Potts will be OK but Magassa isn’t up to it.”

“Magassa loses the ball all the time and Potts is just not ready for the Prem.”

“They are only young so they have time to develop into big stars for our club.”

“Such a shame; we find a decent squad, settled team and decent manager so late on. Would love to see what we can do next season in the Prem. Fingers crossed. COYI!”