West Ham newboy Fernandes reflects after making his full Premier League debut out of position

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Winston Reid secured a vital win against Sunderland but it was his surprise defensive partner on the lips of West Ham fans.

West Ham newboy Edimilson Fernandes has admitted to the club’s official website that he felt more than a few butterflies when asked to play out of position on his first Premier League start.

The Switzerland Under-21 international developed into one of his countries brightest talents from his usual midfield role for FC Sion but surprisingly made his full debut in English football at left-wing back in Saturday’s dramatic win against Sunderland.

However, Fernandes thrived in front of more than 57,000 supporters at the London Stadium, almost getting his name on the scoresheet to cap an impressive performance in which he more than compensated for the suspension of Aaron Cresswell (below) and the injured Arthur Masuaku.

And the £5 million summer signing (BBC) admitted that nerves took hold prior to kick-off, especially when Bilic decided to remove him from his favoured central role and, thus, his comfort zone.

“I felt a bit of pressure going into the match but I thought I had a good game playing my first game in the Premier League,” Fernandes told West Ham’s official website.

“I don’t normally get nervous before games as I have quite a lot experience, but I felt the pressure this time because I was playing in a different position. However, I was just happy to play.

“I train very hard and want to play in every game. My preferred position is central midfield but I will play in any position – except for goalkeeper!”

With his fellow imports Simone Zaza (below), Gokhan Tore, Sofiane Feghouli and Jonathan Calleri struggling with fitness in form in claret and blue, Fernandes’ impressive adaptation provides reason for optimism in a season that has been steeped in negativity for the most part.

However, with Cresswell available for selection once more ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash with London rivals Chelsea, it remains to be seen whether Bilic keeps faith with his versatile recruit against markedly superior opposition.