“Too Many Holding Players” | Hammers legend Speaks Out

Legendary West Ham defender and commentator Tony Gale has had his say on Julen Lopetegui’s decision to play “three holding midfielders” against Fulham during an exclusive interview with Hammers Chat this evening.

Gale was co-commentator on the match at Craven Cottage and is a familiar voice on the airwaves and is the go-to man for West Ham games on the box.

The ex-Hammers centre-back shared his words of footballing wisdom, reflecting on West Ham’s poor first-half display as J-Lo’s boys struggled against Marco Silva’s men. Gale’s initial observation that Fulham only had one holding player which allowed the rest of the midfield to attack was followed up an analysis of the Irons set-up.

Like most West Ham fans, there was some surprise to see Lucas Paqueta omitted from the side in place of Tomas Soucek and as Gale observed, “As an away team you’re never going to be able to give him the service from crosses.”

When asked about the team’s performance, the former Fulham and West Ham defender remarked, “If West Ham want to play progressive football, starting with three defensive midfielders like Alvarez, Rodriguez, and Soucek just doesn’t work. Between the three of them, there wasn’t much forward movement.”

Gale added, “I understand Lopetegui’s idea of pushing Kilman and Mavropanos 10-15 yards higher up the pitch, but without a creative midfielder to link the play, it falls flat.”

He’s got a point. Irrespective of what position Soucek was supposed to take up, he made a single pass forward during open play in the first half. Most would agree with Gale’s observation the Irons had far too many defensive players on the pitch.

No doubt, Lopetegui will argue that a point away from home is a good result and if we can pick up three more against Chelsea it will look even better.