There’s still a long way to go in the season, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that West Ham United are in real danger if things don’t change fast.

Following their dismal showing at home against Brentford, Nuno Espírito Santo has some big calls to make before facing Leeds United — starting with dropping Tomáš Souček and shaking up his starting XI.

The changes Nuno must make at West Ham

At the back, Nuno needs to freshen things up. Aaron Wan-Bissaka should replace Kyle Walker-Peters on the right to provide more defensive solidity, while El Hadji Malick Diouf should come in for Oliver Scarles on the left. Wan-Bissaka’s one-on-one defending would strengthen a leaky backline, while Diouf’s pace and energy could give the Hammers a much-needed spark going forward.

Diouf has already contributed three assists in eight league matches this season, and it was his delivery that created the equaliser against Everton. His presence could transform West Ham’s wide play.

Further upfield, Lucas Paquetá must return to his preferred No.10 role. The Brazilian looked lost as a false nine, but his creativity is still one of the team’s biggest assets. Moving him back behind the striker would allow Callum Wilson to lead the line and give West Ham a more natural attacking structure.

Crysencio Summerville should also shift back to the left wing, where his pace and trickery can stretch defences. When combined with Diouf overlapping behind him, that flank could become a real weapon for Nuno’s side.

In midfield, Andy Irving should make way for Soungoutou Magassa. The young Frenchman offers far greater athleticism, dynamism, and technical ability. As analyst Ben Mattinson noted, Magassa boasts “pure athleticism” and can “spray passes wide to open up the pitch.” His energy could help bring balance and tempo to a midfield that has looked static.

Why Souček should be dropped

There’s no questioning Tomáš Souček’s commitment, but effort alone isn’t enough anymore. His lack of mobility and limited passing range have become major issues in West Ham’s build-up play. For the team to evolve into a more fluid and modern unit, Nuno needs to take a bold step and start academy talent Freddie Potts instead.

Potts, a technically gifted midfielder, has earned praise for his composure and confidence on the ball. Mattinson described him as “smooth on the half-turn and composed under pressure,” two qualities West Ham’s midfield has sorely lacked.

The 21-year-old also impressed during his loan spell at Portsmouth last season, making 38 appearances, scoring once, assisting four times, and playing a key role in helping the club retain their Championship status.

Pairing Potts with Magassa might be a risk given their youth and inexperience, but it could inject the energy, movement, and progression West Ham desperately need.

The bold call Nuno must make

Nuno Espírito Santo has reached a crossroads. Sticking with the same lineup will likely bring more of the same disappointing results. To rescue West Ham’s season, he must be willing to take risks — drop the underperforming veterans, trust the younger talents, and set the tone for a new, more dynamic chapter at the club.

Starting Freddie Potts against Leeds would be a statement of intent — and perhaps exactly the jolt West Ham need to turn their fortunes around.