Mohamadou Kanté remains one of West Ham United’s most exciting young players, but his quiet display against Southend United underlined the work still required before he can command a regular senior role.
The 20-year-old started alongside Keiber Lamadrid as the Hammers opened their public pre-season schedule with a 1-1 draw at Roots Hall.
Konstantinos Mavropanos cancelled out an early Southend penalty shortly before half-time. West Ham then changed their entire outfield side after the hour mark as Nuno Espírito Santo shared minutes across his squad. The official West Ham match report confirmed Kanté played 65 minutes before being replaced.
Kanté produced several tidy moments and used his strength well when recovering possession. However, he struggled to influence the game consistently and was often overshadowed by Lamadrid.
James Collins identifies Kanté’s next step
Former West Ham defender James Collins recognised the midfielder’s physical potential while working on the club’s commentary coverage.
“He looks like he could have it all,” Collins said. “I’d just like to see him get on the ball more. But, physically, he has everything.”
The assessment captured Kanté’s performance accurately. He has the frame and athleticism to compete at senior level, but those qualities must be matched by a greater willingness to demand possession.
Lamadrid frequently dropped deeper to collect the ball and looked for forward passes. Kanté spent too many periods on the edge of the game, especially during the opening half-hour.
West Ham supporters have already identified him as a possible breakout player. ReadWestHam recently included Kanté among the seven young players ready to compete for senior roles.
His opportunity has grown following Mateus Fernandes’ departure and uncertainty around several experienced midfielders. However, a place cannot be secured through reputation or academy form alone.
Kanté must receive the ball under pressure and drive West Ham forward. Those actions have previously earned him comparisons with Patrick Vieira, but they were only visible in brief flashes at Southend.
Mohamadou Kanté must respond during pre-season
One subdued friendly should not alter West Ham’s long-term view of Kanté.
The match came early in pre-season, when fitness and workload remain more important than the result. First-team coach Gerard Prenderville described the fixture as a valuable workout and said the players had approached training positively. His official post-match reaction also confirmed that avoiding injuries remained a priority.
Kanté still needs to use the remaining friendlies to make a stronger impression. West Ham visit Stevenage next, giving the midfielder another opportunity to take responsibility in possession.
Nuno needs depth across a 46-match Championship campaign. Kanté could save the club a considerable transfer fee if he proves ready, although the academy cannot carry the entire promotion push.
ReadWestHam’s assessment of the club’s £85million rebuild outlined the need for senior additions, even with young players expected to receive opportunities.
Kanté possesses the physical tools and technical ability to become an important player. Collins’ comments should be viewed as encouragement rather than criticism.
The next stage requires greater authority. Kanté must ask for the ball more often, move it forward and impose himself before others move ahead of him in Nuno’s plans.
