Ferencváros friendly reveals pressing issue
One must not read too much into a preseason friendly. After all, West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Ferencváros was really nothing more than a fitness exercise at the end of a hard week’s physical training.
However, there are some minor details that can offer insight into Julen Lopetegui’s current progress, and it’s quite clear that the right back position will be an issue if not addressed.
The fact that Academy winger Gideon Kodua was deployed at right back demonstrates the lack of squad depth in that position. Kodua did a decent enough job, but it was clear from his positioning that he won’t be transitioning into a new role.
Therefore, it’s imperative that West Ham get into the transfer market as soon as possible to fill what could turn out to be a problematic position. Vladimir Coufal enjoyed a successful European championship in Germany, but he did not finish the season well for West Ham. In far too many games, the Czech defender was targeted by opposition wingers and was too easily bypassed.
Ideally, the club will look to sign a player ready to go straight into the first team, which would, in turn, relegate Coufal to the bench in what is likely to be his last season at the London Stadium.
Right back to business
Yesterday’s news that Hammers midfielder Flynn Downes was close to completing his transfer to Southampton should have facilitated a move for their fullback, Kyle Walker-Peters. Perhaps there is still some negotiation going on behind the scenes; however, one would consider it would be an easy deal to make given recent transactions between the two clubs and a cordial relationship.
If things are stalling for whatever reason, then Tim Steidten will have to quickly switch his attention and bring someone else in. It’s far from being the end of the world, but West Ham are one minor injury away from starting the season without a right back, and it needs sorting with the same urgency we’re applying t our striker search.
Useless Sullivan has left us criminally short
No, that would never happen!!!!!!!
Correct. The one meaningful thing we learnt from yesterday is that RB is the priority. I’d be surprised if Coufal stays, so we probably need two. Bissaka would be my preferred option, although I think he did have a serious injury a while ago.
I missed the start of that game yesterday and I noticed the young kid who you say was playing right back. I actually thought he looked quite good as he was very busy, but I didn’t realise he was meant to be playing RB, I thought he was in midfield! Yeah I think another position would be best for him. Either of the two RBs mentioned above are or both would be good. I think KWP is a little more versatile.
Never mind Walker Peters. Get Wan Bissaka signed pronto!
Sullivan spend money to get targets signed up not if he can help it if it’s left Down to Sullivan we will be getting players that are cheap and well past their sell by date we all know what needs to happen if we are to get back into Europe etc so why is it not happening the owners talk about how they are going to take the club forward and onto the next level if that is true then get the players in that we need and get rid of the dead wood
That was a hard read, bit of punctuation wouldn’t go amiss
Alright, yeah, right back needs some serious work, but don’t forget the bigger picture. Kodua, the lad’s a striker by trade, y’know, and filled in at right back like a champ. Even more impressive considerin’ he only had a week trainin’ in Austria before the game, and they were playin’ a team lookin’ to get in the Champions League!
The real question is, what happens if we give him more time to gel with a proper Premier League squad?
Alright, yeah, right back needs some serious work, but don’t forget the bigger picture. Kodua, the lad’s a striker by trade, y’know, and filled in at right back like a champ. Even more impressive considerin’ he only had a week trainin’ in Austria before the game, and they were playin’ a team lookin’ to get in the Champions League! The real question is, what happens if we give him more time to gel with a proper Premier League squad?