With so much emphasis on yesterdays occasionally pedestrian performance against Lille, there is, still, definitely a need for genuine pace in this West Ham side In the absence of Crysencio Summerville, West Ham suffered on the pitch from the same old issues which dogged the side last year. Fortunately, Summerville appears to be on the mend and is still scheduled for a September comeback.
In the ‘secret’ second of two friendlies- this one behind closed doors, unused players from the main event yesterday again took to the pitch against a second string Lille side today: The Irons didn’t come out winners this time but by all intents and purposes there was a top-tier performance by Luis Guilherme who scored once and hit the bar.
Couldn’t have come at a better time, with the Hammers searching for pace and goal scoring talent without buying-in: Perhaps the very solution they seek is right under Graham Potters’ nose. The young talented Brazilian surely offers something different and deserves to feature in Potter’s plans next season. Niclas Fullkrug was criticised by Potter yesterday and is unlikely to be the answer for every minute of every game. Guilherme coming on at 70 minutes would scare the pants off most flagging defenders and could finally start to live upto the hype that accompanied his £20 million plus purchase in the Tim Steidten splurge of last summer.
It is not through lack of ambition: The young Brazilian clearly wants to play:
“I hope I can play some great games in pre-season and throughout the season ahead. I’m very happy with the opportunity the coach is giving me. I’m getting better and better, feeling better and better on the field.” He told whufc.com after the USA summer tour.
Potter’s squad selection against Sunderland will be telling. As he showed yesterday, West Ham’s manager does have a propensity towards dull, safe selections but with Guilherme having served up a timely reminder of his potential, surely deserves his chance.
Guido. Alverez. Ward Prouse. They’ve had enough chances. Soucek provides something different and 10 goals per season. If he sticks with any of these for any of the matches hes looking at a P45 before Christmas
It seems like Potter’s West Ham is going to try to be hard to beat and (in the best BFS tradition) “to respect the point” -hoping to nick a few 1-0 wins
Careful Graham – if it doesn’t start out too well Sullivan will throw you under the bus like he did with Slaven Bilic
COYI
Trouble is, “hard to beat” is just as “hard to watch”
I hope he also Uses Earthy and Marshall as well, these two have a bit about them with great energy
Yes, Earthy is in great danger of being overlooked by Potter because of his unfortunate injury, but he is a great talent in the making and needs serious game time- an ideal replacement for JWP!
We have a problem with playing our young stars many clubs have had their young stars playing but we’re to afraid of losing games so the oldies are preferred, this season’s signings still rankle with me because Sullivan reminds me of someone who wants something for nothing it doesn’t surprise me if we had our own hospital ward for just our sickies I am 77 years old my first game in the chicken run was when I was 8 and it doesn’t surprise me since Sullivans reign that we will always be the poor mans club
Metz. I thought it was Lille. Did Fearon get on or any other subs ?
Potter give Gulhimere a chance
He is looking good on the small time he has be given.
He will never shine if you don’t give him a few games
Would like us to sign Gueye another one for now and the future of the club
Bargain buy, don’t let him be signed by anyone else
I Like this kid. However, where will he play in Potter’s system? Potter plays with two strikers up top and no wingers.
He won’t displace AWB or Diouf at wing back, a position that doesn’t suit him anyway. So he may be used as an impact substitution.
Let’s just hope he can make an impact.
Never doubted him.
Just needs to be given the chance.
Mid attack is his forte not left wing although he does seem to be able to adapt at most positions.
No need to compete with Summerville.