Since joining West Ham United in the summer of 2024 in a deal worth £15 million from Manchester United, the defensive fullback has been a success for West Ham. He has also demonstrated his offensive transformation. The 29-year-old heads off to AFCON with DR Congo in what will be a major blow for the East London club. The Hammers, may look to reinvest in that position, in his absence. This article acknowledges his development as a player - and someone who will undoubtedly be integral in this years' AFCON.
Aaron has always been known to be a lockdown defender, a 1v1 specialist, a defensive master. But, what we saw under previous manager Graham Potter was a fullback who got the license to play like a traditional fullback and to excel at doing so. Whilst you wouldn't associate the Irons defender as being a traditional fullback, he showed everyone that he can play as a wing back as well as a fullback.
That he can stretch teams - with his intelligent runs, often getting in behind the opposition defence, playing high up. We saw this with some of the goals he scored - most notably at ST. James' Park.
Playing higher up has shifted a deeper on the ball responsibility. His footwork has impressed, his crossing has been impressive and he's had the chance to demonstrate positional versatility - a fundamental concept in today's game.
Whilst DR Congo often deploy a standard 433 formation, Wan-Bissaka has the skill set to be a dynamic offensive threat. The players' development is a welcome benefit to the African country. With Malick Diouf also off to AFCON, West Ham's first choice fullback pair will be absent from the first team, for six weeks. A big blow, but an integral asset for the Congolese team, who will look to flourish this AFCON.
