West Ham United: Stats show why Aaron Wan-Bissaka must start over Kyle Walker-Peters from now on
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Tue 21 April 2026 10:02, UK West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo should be making Aaron Wan-Bissaka his first-choice right-back ahead of Kyle Walker-Peters for the remainder of the campaign.The pair have been battling it out all season long to nail down a starting place on the right side of the Hammers’ back four or five.Nuno has preferred Walker-Peters from the off in their last two Premier League games, but Wan-Bissaka was West Ham’s main right-back in the three months prior.Walker-Peters has put successive solid shifts in to help his side achieve positive results in the last two weeks, but his attacking abilities are no match for the ex-Man United man. Nuno’s side looked resolute at the back against Crystal Palace but devoid of ideas going forward, and Wan-Bissaka should be restored to the team for West Ham’s must-win next match against Everton ⚽West Ham United Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every West Ham fixture.
VISIT THE WEST HAM MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Kyle Walker-Peters created nothing vs Palace, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a better option for West HamWalker-Peters’ recent inclusion in the starting side first came about against Leeds in the FA Cup due to Wan-Bissaka’s extended absence following DR Congo’s World Cup qualification.The former Southampton man has remained in Nuno’s team for the last two matches, and while he is a solid option, his lack of attacking prowess puts the Hammers at a clear disadvantage on the wings.PlayerKyle Walker-PetersAaron Wan-BissakaAppearances2022Minutes1135′1906′Goal contributions12Chances created717Successful crosses116Successful dribbles per 901.030.66Clearances per 902.34.25Interceptions per 900.631.79KWP vs AWB – 2025-26 PL statsWalker-Peters’ general attacking statistics for this campaign do not make for great reading, and he failed to produce an accurate cross from five attempts at Selhurst Park, while taking just one touch in the Eagles’ penalty area.Everything points to Wan-Bissaka being a better option in the final third, and statistics for the season also show how he is at least on par with his right-back competitor when it comes to defending too.The Hammers are going to need goals and wins to survive in the Premier League this season, especially considering they have a harder run-in than their main relegation rivals, Spurs.It surely makes more sense, therefore, for Nuno to reinstate Wan-Bissaka in his starting eleven for the time being, especially during a must-win game against Everton on Saturday.Jarrod Bowen has spoken highly of Wan-Bissaka in the pastAnother key drawback of starting Walker-Peters is his obvious lack of on-field relationship with Bowen, especially compared to Wan-Bissaka.Bowen and Walker-Peters have not combined for a goal in claret and blue as yet, while Wan Bissaka has provided five assists for the England star in 57 appearances together so far.The Hammers captain heaped praise on Wan-Bissaka this time last year after his successful debut season in East London, saying: “He’s been brilliant ever since he was walked through the door. He’s been in the Premier League for a few years now and shown his quality and done it week in week out here.“Az (Wan-Bissaka) has been consistently good every single week.
Every day in training. It’s a pleasure to play with him and have him in our ranks.”Nuno has to get the best out of his captain if West Ham are to stay in the top flight, especially with sources revealing to Football Insider that Chelsea and Liverpool are battling to sign Bowen if they go down.Wan-Bissaka is clearly a better option in that regard, too, and he deserves to return to the starting lineup ahead of Walker-Peters. ⚒️ Don’t Miss a Beat: Your West Ham Insider Access Get the full story from the London Stadium and Rush Green with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from East London.