For many weeks at the start of the Premier League, West Ham fans and observers alike were puzzled at the absence from the starting line up of several new recruits who arrived at London Stadium to a fanfare and huge media publicity. Surely these multi-million pound acquisitions would be slotted straight into the starting eleven?
One such deal which I wrote about myself was the loan-to-buy acquisition of Jean-Clair Todibo. It is exciting to follow a player’s Hammers career going from the very first rumour through to the 4 A.M signing of his contract at the club. It then perplexed me to see, several times, Todibo omitted from the starting line up with Greek International Konstantinos Mavropanos named alongside Max Kilman.
‘Where’s Todibo’ the C and H article shouted. Questions were asked of our high-ranking source at the club. Still Todibo was held back, Lopetegui saying he needed to toughen up for the Premier League. All sorts of conspiracy theories were aired concerning his loan to buy deal and West Ham wanting to walk away, by not meeting the requisite number of ‘starts’ to trigger the buy obligation.
Just a few short weeks later and Jean-Clair Todibo is winning praise for performances and Julen Lopetegi is, quietly, being proven to have made the right call. We are quick to criticise so I think it appropriate to give credit where it is due.
Jean-Clair Todibo: Held back until ready to roll.
Sensing his new signing needed time to acclimatise, Lopetegui, much to his credit, avoided just throwing him into battle and gave him an extra month – after a 45 minute Carling Cup appearance – to get fully match – fit so that when he did make his debut he did not disappoint.
Remember this is the same player who had a massive confidence dent after his teenage spell at Barcelona ended in disappointment, and needed to rebuild his career at a very fragile age.
Two full Premier League appearances in, and Todibo already looks like a natural partner for Max Kilman and West Ham look to have found a centre-back pairing to build around. Blossoming confidence too, from every video and image published Todibo is the happy, joyful signing shown in a very ‘good place’ now. Thanks in no small part to his head coach.