By Conor Hogan

West Ham are in serious trouble as things stand. But there is one player that is far from in trouble with the West Ham faithful

The Hammers sit in the relegation zone at Christmas, five points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who also have a game in hand. 

Despite recent improvements in performance, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side simply cannot buy a win and are in genuine danger of dropping into the Championship.

One of West Ham’s few saving graces, however, is the presence of several players capable of dragging the club to safety. Jarrod Bowen has been through relegation battles before and has played a decisive role in the Irons’ survival in the past. 

Meanwhile, newcomers Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa have quickly become reliable midfield options under Nuno.

But West Ham’s most important player right now may be a remarkable 21-year-old: Mateus Fernandes.

Yes, Fernandes was partly at fault for Manchester City’s second goal in Saturday’s 3–0 defeat, but that was arguably the first real mistake he has made since arriving in East London. 

For someone so young, Fernandes’ consistency has been outstanding. He combines vision, tenacity and quick feet, and he has already contributed a couple of goals this season. 

In many ways, he looks like Lucas Paquetá without the drama — and the closest thing West Ham have had to Declan Rice since the former captain left in 2023.

While Rice was often criticised for his understated leadership, he was the player who would grab games by the scruff of the neck when West Ham needed him most. Fernandes shows signs of that same quality. 

Bowen may remain the obvious figurehead, but Fernandes could yet prove to be the decisive factor in keeping the Hammers up.

West Ham are currently at their strongest in midfield. If Nuno is to steer his side to safety, he should build around that strength — because every time Fernandes gets on the ball, it feels like something special might happen.