Soungoutou Magassa would have expected there to be a few differences between France’s Ligue 1 and the English Premier League after swapping Monaco for West Ham United in August.
But, following a couple of cameo appearances off the bench with a first Hammers start in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Everton, the France Under-21 international is now getting to grips with the extent of those differences in real time.
After a very difficult start, Magassa grew into things at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
He struggled initially to adapt to the pace of proceedings in a West Ham United shirt, while a few errant passes went astray. Yet, before Nuno Espirito Santo introduced Freddie Potts in his place around the hour mark, Soungoutou Magassa had turned a corner somewhat.
More minutes in the legs, more time on the pitch beginning with Saturday’s trip to Arsenal, and the £14 million acquisition should blossom over time.
Soungoutou Magassa reflects on his Premier League start for West Ham United
While Nuno indicates that Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could return at Arsenal – James Ward-Prowse was spotted playing a central role in Thursday’s training session too despite reports he would be shunted into something of a ‘bomb squad’ – Magassa’s physicality could be integral to disrupting the Gunners’ rhythm.
“[Everton] was a good game, and we were able to show that we had character,” Magassa tells the official West Ham website. “We fought together with the new head coach. I think we had a very good second half, and we fought for each other, and we brought back a good point from Everton.
“I think we have a very good team with a lot of quality, and now we have to work hard and push ourselves to win other games.
“I was proud to make my first start, and I think I can still improve. It’s been a long time since I played for such a long time, and I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare. So, I hope that with the games that are coming up, I’ll be able to continue to show the fans and everyone what I’m capable of.
“I felt good, but it was new for me, the Premier League. A new league, new opponents that I don’t know, and full stadiums, which isn’t always the case in France,” adds Magassa, who comes from a Monaco side who averaged fewer than 10,000 fans per match in Ligue 1 last season.
“I was very happy to play this game with a lot of emotion. I wanted to do well. I was focused, and I didn’t want to make mistakes. I wanted to fight for the team, for the supporters and for the club. I wanted to play a big game, even if I didn’t have a lot of rhythm because I haven’t had the chance to play a lot this summer. I think I played a good game, but I can still do much better.
“It’s not the same [as Ligue 1]. There’s more intensity, and there’s more space, but it’s definitely a lot different, as sometimes you think you have the time, but you don’t. Your opponents are really good, whether that’s as individuals or as a collective. It’s a competition that has given me a taste for more.
“It’s harder to play cross-field and diagonally than in Ligue 1. It’s the best league in the world, with the best players and the best teams.”
Magassa prepared for Arsenal clash as Nuno Espirito Santo considers his options
Nuno knows West Ham cannot afford a repeat of those set-piece failings at the Emirates. Not against an Arsenal team who have scored seven goals from dead-ball situations already this term.
Magassa, meanwhile, saw Arsenal’s quality first-hand during a 3-0 Champions League defeat in a Monaco shirt ten months ago.
“[Arsenal] are a big team,” the 21-year-old adds. “I’ve already played against them twice, once in a friendly and once in the UEFA Champions League with Monaco, so I’m looking forward to it. And we’re going to do everything we can to give our best on the pitch.
“For the next game, we want to win, of course. There are points to take, not to lose. In this league, you can’t lose. You have to take all the points you can. We’re not where we deserve to be [in the table], and there’s still a lot of work to do.
“We’re going to go there with determination [to win], work hard and show discipline.
“I think the head coach is going to bring new ideas and a little change, and that’s going to be good for everyone. We all have to feel involved, and we’re all going to get there if we all continue to work in the same direction.”
