ANYONE viewing the latest offering from West Ham United’s media department – the now customary pre-game video ‘Inside Rush Green’ will be struck by the incredible upbeat, happy, relaxed-yet-focussed togetherness of the players exhibited on the training ground.
Compared with previous offerings from different eras – Lopetegui and Potter’s must win games, for instance, the Hammers’ past troubles used to be evident – showing a side silent, strained, clearly not enjoying one second of their preparation.
The inclusion of West Ham’s youngsters has changed forever the training ground dynamic under Nuno.
Potts, Magassa, Fernandes, Mayers and most recently Mohamadou Kanté are now embedded within the first team squad and regularly getting game time.
Lamadrid is now training with Nuno’s first team squad
What is apparent from the whufc.com training video this week is that loanee Keiber Lamadrid appears on the cusp of joining them.
Popping up regularly within the clip, Lamadrid would be a logical addition to the squad in Crysencio Summerville’s absence and the Venezuelan looks to be adapting well to life as a squad member, rather than seeing out the season in the under 21’s side.
Adding options in the last twenty minutes when the sprightly Pablo and short – on- endurance Adama Traore start to tire is vital if the Irons are to maintain an attacking presence.
The ‘pressing from the front‘ option looks to be the starting point again for Nuno with both Castellanos and Pablo likely to start.
If Lamadrid offers Nuno Espírito Santo the option of a high energy press for the last quarter of a game, he could yet find himself called on for a home debut in the dying minutes this evening. Which would certainly create headlines in his home town thanks to a football – mad Venezuelan media-led interest in his progress.
No mention of Oxford.