Jarrod Bowen has a tougher job than most this weekend following West Ham’s heavy loss to Tottenham. The humiliating London derby was closely followed by revelations from talkSPORT and The Sun that Hammers players were ‘unconvinced’ by Julen Lopetegui’s start in his new role.
Bowen, of course, has the unenviable task of captaining a team that seems to lack enough leaders. I’ve never been a great fan of giving the captaincy to wide players purely due to the distance needed to deliver either tactical guidance or a bit of industrial motivation.
Someone needs to deliver a wake-up call to this team, and it’s concerning to hear both Bowen and Max Kilman say that the team lost focus at halftime. Whilst I believe the second half capitulation in North London was as much about tactics as anything else, one can’t ignore statements being made by multiple players.
As long as West Ham plays the team in front of them, rather than the badge and history of the club, there’s no reason they can’t beat Manchester United on Sunday. But someone needs to rally this undoubtedly talented squad, whose confidence seems paper-thin.
I’d like to see JLo stick to the promise he made at his interview of ensuring we promote youth.
Guido has no pace, Paquetá is a shadow of the player he was, so maybe Lewis Orford could be exactly what we need right now.
Scored and captained the England 18’s. Has been likened to Declan Rice. Man Utd are not to be feared and would give Orford the chance to stake his claim.
I appreciate the team is lacking confidence so right now might be too soon. Midfield is our biggest area of concern. Surely it won’t be too long until Orford is given opportunities.
totally agree Matt, time now to give others a chance, other teams not scared to give their kids a chance. I would also promote a few strikers, cant do any worse lets be honest.