Payet 2.0 Has Landed

After the frenetic pace of deadline day with the last minute medical and late night photo session confirming Carlos Soler made it to the UK and officially signed as a West Ham United player, it is worthwhile reflecting on the attributes which the 27 year old brings to London Stadium and why Lopetegui made him the priority of the last week. He comes with a big reputation, Sky Sports labelling him as Payet 2.0.

I’d previously sought out a scouting report from his Valencia days, so this additional piece from breakingthelines.com offers useful further insight into the deadline-day Hammers recruit.

A central or right-sided midfielder, Soler operates best apparently as part of threesome in midfield as he is more attack minded – rather than say Guido Rodriguez who we signed earlier in the window, who is more of a defensive midfielder. As the report states:

“When he plays with more freedom as a midfielder in a midfield of three, his game improves because he can concentrate less on defending and more on creating danger. Through this, he can get in more advanced positions”

Soler  “is a good carrier of the ball, which is connected to his great technical ability. Furthermore, he is also quite quick and all this connected helps him create danger.” 

So, quick, a good carrier of the ball and often, apparently, his late arrival in the ‘box allows him to score -as often he isn’t picked up by defences. He scored for Spain against Sweden in this very manner: He’s played 14 times for his national side with 4 goals to his name.

So, by all accounts a fast, attack-minded midfielder. It bodes well for West Ham to have a Lucas Paqueta alternative who is technically very well equipped for the Premier League: “ Soler is a great passer, both from set-pieces and in-game situations. He knows how to pick a pass into dangerous zones and has 0.20 assists per 90 minutes”. 

And from Footballeducator.com comes this: “On the field, Soler thrives due to his versatility. Capable of playing multiple positions, he provides managers with tactical flexibility. His adaptability means he’s as effective in a defensive role as he is when he’s orchestrating the offense. *Visionary playmaking * Accurate passing ability *Strong defensive capabilities *Notable goal-scoring from midfield”.

Exciting stuff ! I’m looking forward to seeing him do his thing at the London Stadium. Often West Ham have looked short of midfield creativity when Paqueta has been missing. Hopefully, now, we have another weapon in the Armoury.