West Ham’s defence was under close scrutiny last season as seemingly whichever combination of centre-backs and full backs was deployed by either Lopetegui and then Potter, the fragility remained. Despite bringing in Kilman, Todibo and Wan-Bissaka last summer the Hammers remained porous, shipping 62 goals in 24/5.
In a wide ranging article this morning, the NY Times lifts the lid on Jean Clair-Todibo’s fitness issues: There was a lot of conjecture that Todibo had an underlying fitness problem throughout the season as he couldn’t seem to get through 90 minutes and even by the end of April was still being withdrawn early. The article provides confirmation of both his long-term issue and also lack of preparation for life in the Premier League:
“As a result of his calf injury, the centre-back missed games against Leicester City (December 3), Bournemouth (December 16), Villa (in the FA Cup, January 10), Fulham (January 14), Palace (January 18), Villa again (January 26) and Chelsea (February 2): In an attempt to address the muscular difficulties that stunted his momentum, Todibo travelled home to France in January to get a second opinion from his private doctor of eight years. A scan revealed issues with his lower limb.”
No proper pre-season last year means West Ham did not see the best of the defender who made a frank admission after his injury:
“It took me a bit of time to come back well. The game is more intense in the Premier League than in Ligue 1, more intense than all the leagues in the world, I think. Today I’m not 100 per cent, but I think I’m going to improve more with time, and have a good impact in the team.”
With a proper pre-season this summer, the Hammers should see a more solid performer who is more durable in defence: His ball playing skills have already impressed but he needs to be able to cement a week-in-week out partnership with ever present Max Kilman to prove his worth at West Ham.
Maybe Todibo is on the same NHS waiting list I’m on
Remember Zouma who was signed for 30 million with everyone knowing that his knees were completely destroyed . A 4 year contract on a FREE would have been questionable given that he struggled to kick a ball ( but not a cat ) after just 3 years . Westham own Todibo now and so must simply hope that a full pre season achieves full fitness .
Let’s hope he can at least drag Kilman up to his unfit level, worst of the bunch imo and £40 million!!
How did he pass the medical before signing with this long term issue? Surely we scan a footballers legs.
he had a bad accident as a nine year old, multiple fractures, couldn’t walk for a year I think. still has scars everywhere
That description has West Ham player written all over it.
Well in the last game of season the way he played ,you would of thought he just had that accident – over rated, due to being at barca imo