West Ham’s summer signing, Jean-Clair Todibo, turned in another impressive performance against Ipswich, following up last week’s solid league debut against Brentford.
It’s early days, of course, but the signs are promising that Tim Steidten may have identified and signed a highly impressive footballer.
The Frenchman appears to have an all-around game and is clearly not just a ball-winning central defender. The 24-year-old Todibo was outstanding in everything he did, from tackling to ball-carrying, and at one point, he was close to assisting his defensive partner, Max Kilman, with an excellent cross.
I guess his quality really shouldn’t come as any surprise, given he was once a big-money signing for Barcelona. Nonetheless, it’s difficult not to be impressed by his technical ability on the ball, with exceptional long and short-range passing.
One particular mazy run down the right wing in the first half was a standout moment, more suited to a tricky wide-man than a big central defender.
Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui appeared to be impressed with his centre-back and remarked, “Jean-Clair Todibo did well, and we are happy for him. There is good competition between him, Max, and Dinos. They are always ready and push one another on, so this is good.”
The Irons boss now has two weeks to work with Todibo and Kilman on their blossoming partnership, with West Ham’s next game not until October 19th. It’s early days, but the signs are highly encouraging.