The closing minutes of last night’s Chelsea defeat were an encouraging yet ultimately frustrating watch for Hammers fans at Stamford Bridge and watching from home on Sky tv.
West Ham fully deserved to get something out of the game having surrendered a one goal lead, enduring dodgy decisions and coming tantalisingly close through a Kudus shot cleared late on.
Both Lewis Orford and Ollie Scarles again got minutes on the pitch and did not disappoint, Scarles in particular looking the part and a shoe-in for Emerson when the time comes. But one other young Hammer caught my eye – having sat and waited out so many games in endless frustration, Luis Guilherme showed a little flash of his potential which may have been enough to cause the coaching staff at West Ham to re-evaluate.
So much more to come – Luis Guilherme
Late on, having been introduced in only the 87th minute, we’d all be forgiven for expecting zero from a teenager: Guilherme, into stoppage time, burst forward, – as the Hammers’ blog put it – ‘leaves Chelsea players trailing’ in a burst of pace with control. If you get the chance, WHU Video at 6m.40s and you’ll see Hammers’ young talent run half the length of the pitch, lay off a pass and continue to the back post: He then has the presence of mind to step over the goal-line to avoid being off side if Kudus’ shot had gone in.
Earlier, when we spoke with our highly placed source at the club, regarding the rumours of a late departure into the Dutch league today as reported by some sources, it is clear that Guilherme’s contribution against Chelsea was noticed:
“We decided to keep him, despite bids, as we really thought last night was his best performance”.
Clearly I’m not the only one who saw something worth hanging onto then.
I sense there is so much more to come from Luis Guilherme, hopefully Potter can bring him through into contention for West Ham’s starting eleven. That kind of pace and control wins matches. The news of Crysencio Summerville’s long absence whilst disappointing for fans, can work to Guilherme’s advantage: There’s a starting place available.
Totally agree, all my instincts are saying that Luis has more to come. He looks a talent and a presence, and for me should be given quite a few goes before judging him, like Ollie and Lewis. I get a sneaky feeling we have some real talent that the two previous managers overlooked, and Graham P seems to have spotted it. How many of us were calling for it under Moyesball???
Absolute correct,the guy has not had a chance to show what he can do,he needs a few games under his belt. I agree with your sneaky feeling.
Forgot to add…he brings the average age down as well!
Keep this guy. Why would you want to pay £25m then sell him for £12.5m when he is an enormous talent and all the top Brazilian clubs wanted him. Let Potter and the coaches work on him
Let Luis loose
Guilherme needs to start a match to see what he’s got . Westham are going to win some draw some and lose some matches in the remainder of the season and so testing him properly along with the other youngsters will definitely add value to them all .
All player’s need a run of game’s so that they can adapt to the pace of the game but more importantly how they interact with their team mate’s. He looks lively and lightning quick and just needs nurturing and developing luckily we now have a head coach who’s not fixated with short term goals but see’s the long term picture and a particular style of football.
Luis really impressed in the short time he had and looks a real talent if he is given the opportunities he deserves. That attacking drive and ability to go past 3 defenders, with his technical ability and head up, is something we have lacked for so long.
Thank goodness the short sighted idea to loan or transfer him never materialised. And yes i agree with John, Steidten should be given credit for signing him. At £20 million we have a real player who I can’t wait to see more of in the first team.
Looks a very fast and skilful player. After all the drivel about him being another ‘poor’ Steidten signing heading off to Holland for a huge loss, he looks like a class player. £20m (not £25m) well spent.
Faster than Kudus/Summerville with a Brazilian brain.
Should never have been considered for transfer.
Not good for Summerville but maybe a turning point for this young lad.
Just read fans words and there’s no doubt where he should be_amongst whu team mates.