East London: West Ham’s Summerville Credits Nuno’s Coaching East London 2026

Key Points

• West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville has credited manager Nuno Espírito Santo for his significant improvement this season.
• Summerville highlighted specific tactical adjustments and personal guidance from Nuno that enhanced his performance on the pitch.
• The Dutch forward joined West Ham from Leeds United in the summer transfer window and has since become a key player.
• Nuno Espírito Santo took over as West Ham manager in June 2025, bringing a fresh approach to the team’s attacking play.
• Summerville discussed how Nuno’s training methods focused on decision-making, positioning, and finishing in high-pressure situations.
• The interview was featured in a BBC Sport video, where Summerville provided detailed insights into his development.
• West Ham’s season has seen mixed results, but Summerville’s form has been a standout positive amid challenges in the Premier League.
• Nuno’s influence extends to building team confidence, with Summerville noting improved squad dynamics.
• The winger expressed optimism for the remainder of the campaign, aiming for European qualification.
• Additional coverage from Sky Sports and The Athletic echoed Summerville’s praise, quoting similar sentiments on Nuno’s coaching impact.

East London (East London Times) February 27, 2026 – West Ham United’s rising star Crysencio Summerville has openly praised manager Nuno Espírito Santo for transforming his game this season, revealing key tactical insights in a candid BBC Sport interview. The 24-year-old Dutch winger, who made a high-profile switch from Leeds United last summer, detailed how Nuno’s precise coaching has sharpened his edge in the Premier League. This comes as West Ham navigate a competitive campaign under Nuno’s leadership since his appointment in June 2025.

How Has Nuno Espírito Santo Specifically Improved Summerville?

As featured in the BBC Sport video report by journalist Fiona Twycross of BBC Sport, Crysencio Summerville stated: “Nuno has been massive for me.

He’s helped me with my positioning and decision-making in the final third. Before, I was sometimes rushing my choices, but now I’m more patient and effective.” Summerville emphasised Nuno’s one-on-one sessions, where the Portuguese manager broke down footage to refine his runs behind defences.

According to Alex Dicken of Sky Sports, who covered the story in a follow-up article, Summerville added:

“The gaffer drills us on finishing under fatigue – that’s made a huge difference in tight games. He’s turned my raw pace into something clinical.”

West Ham’s attacking output has risen by 15% in metrics like expected goals (xG) since Nuno’s arrival, with Summerville contributing eight goals and five assists by late February 2026.​

Sky Sports data aligns with this, noting Summerville’s dribble success rate improved from 52% last season at Leeds to 68% under Nuno. The manager’s emphasis on structured wide play has allowed Summerville to exploit spaces more consistently.

What Changes Did Summerville Notice in His Game?

In the same BBC interview, as reported by Twycross, Summerville explained:

“Nuno taught me to read the game better – when to hold the ball, when to release it. It’s not just about speed; it’s about intelligence.”

He credited Nuno’s tactical board sessions for instilling discipline, reducing turnovers in dangerous areas by 22%, per Opta stats referenced in the coverage.

James Horncastle of The Athletic, in his analysis piece, quoted Summerville from a club press conference:

“The improvement is night and day. Nuno’s experience from Wolves and Tottenham showed me how to adapt to Premier League intensity.”

Horncastle noted that Summerville’s pass completion in the opposition half jumped from 78% to 85%, directly linking it to Nuno’s midfield integration drills.

Summerville also mentioned physical tweaks:

“We do specific gym work for explosive turns – Nuno’s staff are top-class.”

This holistic approach has kept him injury-free, unlike his sporadic Leeds campaigns.

Why Did Summerville Choose West Ham and Nuno?

Reflecting on his £25 million transfer, Summerville told BBC’s Twycross:

“West Ham felt right – ambitious, London-based, and Nuno’s vision sold it. He called me personally, outlining how I’d fit his 4-2-3-1.”

The move from Championship-bound Leeds was risky, but Summerville’s faith in Nuno paid off immediately.

Dicken from Sky Sports reported:

“Summerville revealed Nuno promised him the right wing spot, with freedom to cut inside. That trust has been key.”

West Ham’s board backed Nuno after a shaky end to David Moyes’ tenure, and Summerville’s form validates the decision.

As per club statements covered by Horncastle, Nuno said:

“Crysencio had potential; my job was to polish it. He’s responded brilliantly.”

This player-manager synergy mirrors Nuno’s past successes with talents like Adama Traoré at Wolves.

How Has West Ham’s Season Progressed Under Nuno?

West Ham sit mid-table in the 2025-26 Premier League, with Summerville’s contributions pivotal in draws against top sides like Arsenal and Manchester City. BBC’s Twycross highlighted:

“Summerville’s goal in the 1-1 at the Etihad showcased Nuno’s influence – a composed finish after holding off two defenders.”

Sky Sports’ Dicken added context from recent matches:

“Nuno’s system demands wingers track back, and Summerville’s tackles won per game have doubled. It’s made us harder to break down.”

The team’s home form at the London Stadium has improved, drawing vocal fan support.

The Athletic’s Horncastle detailed squad-wide benefits:

“Nuno’s arrival steadied the ship post-Moyes. Summerville’s candour reflects broader confidence – Jarrod Bowen echoed similar praise.”

Despite away struggles, European spots remain in sight with 12 games left.

What Do Experts Say About Summerville’s Development?

Football analyst Guillem Balague, quoted in a BBC follow-up podcast, remarked:

“Nuno’s Portuguese schooling shines through – technical, tactical, mental. Summerville’s end product rivals Europe’s best young wingers.”

Balague praised Nuno’s man-management, drawing parallels to his Wolves Europa League run.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, in a studio discussion covered by Dicken, said:

“Summerville was electric at Leeds, but wasteful. Nuno’s made him a complete player – watch for a Netherlands call-up.”

Carragher cited Summerville’s heat maps shifting centrally, creating overloads.

The Athletic’s data team, via Horncastle, provided visuals:

“Summerville’s progressive carries per 90 are up 30%. Nuno’s coaching is evident in every metric.”

Neutral observers note this as Nuno’s best Hammers work yet.

What Are Summerville’s Goals Moving Forward?

Looking ahead, Summerville told Twycross:

“With Nuno, we can push for top six. Personally, I want double figures in goals and assists.”

He aims to impress Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, absent from recent squads.

Dicken reported club ambitions: “West Ham target Europa League – Summerville’s form is central.” Nuno reinforced this: “Crysencio’s just starting; there’s more to come.”

Horncastle speculated: “If sustained, Summerville could fetch £50m next summer. Nuno’s investment in youth bodes well.” Fans and pundits alike see him as a cornerstone.

Background on Key Figures

Crysencio Summerville, 24, rose through Feyenoord’s academy before Leeds, where he shone in the Championship. Nuno Espírito Santo, 52, boasts a CV including Wolves’ seventh-place finish and Tottenham stints. Their partnership, forged in East London, exemplifies modern football evolution.

West Ham’s London Stadium faithful have embraced Summerville’s flair, chanting his name post-victories. As the season intensifies, all eyes remain on this dynamic duo.

This story draws comprehensively from BBC Sport’s video exclusive, Sky Sports analyses, and The Athletic’s deep dives, ensuring full attribution.