ALTHOUGH it is just the first in a series of friendly matches against modest competition, the YouTube televised game yesterday against Grasshoppers gave Hammers fans an opportunity to see for themselves the state of the squad as pre-season develops. Next is the trip to the USA and the Premier League summer series: Questionable as competitive fixtures but useful as a litmus test of player and squad development over three games.
Whether there will be any improvement in the largely anonymous performances of some – Cornet and Aguerd in particular were pretty lacklustre in their 45 minutes’ display yesterday- remains to be seen but Graham Potter has already stated that the slate is wiped clean with opportunity for everyone.
Out of position, Luis Guilherme was one who might not have many headlines this morning but playing in a right wing-back role, looked good and started the move which led to Callum Marshall’s early second half goal. There was some good pace about Guilherme – of course – taking on and beating players with decent passes after: The Brazilian youngster has already told of his determination to make a success of himself at West Ham and yesterday he performed well in a new role.
Watching him develop, hopefully, through the up and coming matches against Manchester United, Bournemouth and Everton will be fascinating as Graham Potter makes decisions on who stays and who goes out on loan before the window closes on 1st September. Unlike Cornet and Aguerd, Luis Guilherme has already put down a quiet, but definite ‘tick’ in the column marked ‘one worth keeping’.
Would tend to agree. Hopefully he’ll get to play further forward in future.
Bloody hell Martin, be careful you are in danger of not being negative!!!
Really? Considering the opposition, he struggled to show any potential. Unlucky to be only backed up by an inexperienced Casey, but rarely found space and lost possession far too easily.
He has a great attitude and if he makes it through what’s been a tough opening year to become a wingback who knows what the future holds.
Wish him well because he has the character of great West Ham players in that when times are tough he digs in and grafts.
It’s hard to judge performance against Grasshoppers, it will be somewhat of a step up when we come up against humans 😊
Did not get to see 2nd half, but would really like to see Guilherme play in his favored right wing position. We have never really been able to see what he can do from there, so hopefully he can get 45 min in Bowens place. Might be very useful in case of an injury or with Bowen up front if we don’t strengthen the striker position enough