It has been a relief to see Julen Lopetegui’s decisions based on poor judgement gradually reversed since Potter’s coronation in January.
A host of wacky loan decisions were made last summer that contributed largely to the Spaniard’s problems with his midfield non-functional, leggy and lethargic. How he expected to compete in the Premier League is anybody’s guess.
Loaning-out youngsters Freddie Potts and George Earthy removed the talented, ambitious duo with energy and creativity: Sending James Ward-Prowse on a season long loan to Nottingham Forest further depleted his dead-ball options. Compounding the issue by bringing in Guido Rodriguez on a ‘free’ and loanee Carlos Soler from PSG did little to compensate for the lack of creativity.
Fair to say Soler has been disappointing, perhaps as he was built up to be a ‘Paquetá mark II’, full of creativity. Which he certainly isn’t. Hardworking, yes and now, in March, just about upto speed with the Premier League but not a midfield supremo by any stretch.
In a sign that Potter has diagnosed what went wrong last Autumn, he has signalled that the loanee Soler will not be signed permanently even at the ‘competitive’ price sought by PSG of £17 million. Reported by ex West Ham employee in thewesthamway.com, Potter has made the decision to return Soler at the end of the season without picking up the option to buy:
“Potter feels that James Ward-Prowse is better suited and offers more, with him already making an impact despite only returning from his Nottingham Forest loan in January. Soler’s wages are also a big factor, so therefore he will be left to return to PSG with West Ham to look at alternative options this summer.”
Carlos Soler – back to PSG after this season
With Potts and Earthy also in contention upon their return, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Irving, Lewis Orford and Soucek as a seven man midfield squad offers more balance of youth and experience even before the Hammers step into the market in August to add fresh talent.
No mention of Kante (or any of the other U21 / U18 Academy players who may get promoted to the first team squad here and there for experience and/or cover when injuries strick) currently on loan for the season in Paris – apparently Kante’s not getting many minutes or great experience since Paris FC accepted investment from Red Bull . . .
None of the 7 options solve our biggest problem that has persisted for over 10 years, lack of “legs”, pace and athleticism in central midfield. If we want to truly progress we need a couple of players with this profile in the squad.
Agree, we need a midfielder that can read the game and shield the back four better.
Pace and athleticism is needed