By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Before reading too much into West Ham’s friendly against Rangers at Ibrox today, it’s worth remembering that the Scottish Premiership side are further ahead in their preparations, with their league campaign beginning next week.
For that reason alone, it’s important not to place too much emphasis on the encounter, particularly when Rangers played with far more energy and intensity than West Ham.
That said, there are still a few pointers we can take from the game and several things I believe need addressing before the Championship season begins.
James Ward-Prowse Looks A Useful Option
The first is a positive.
I believe James Ward-Prowse is going to be a real asset to West Ham in the Championship this season.
Fair play to Nuno Espírito Santo for patching up whatever differences existed because I think the former England international is going to prove a useful addition to the squad.
West Ham Still Lack Pace
The second, and far more concerning, is the woeful lack of pace in this West Ham side.
It’s nothing new, of course.
The Hammers have been crying out for quicker players for years and, following the departure of Crysencio Summerville, there isn’t a single genuinely rapid player in the first team squad.
That is something which will need addressing very quickly, ideally in midfield, at centre-forward and on the left wing.
Central Midfield Needs Reinforcements
The third issue is what appears to be a central midfield problem.
West Ham’s partnership of Mohamadou Kanté and Keiber Lamadrid will not be enough against many Championship teams, I’m afraid to say.
Kanté, in particular, is a hugely talented footballer, but he’s at his best when the game is in front of him and he’s attacking.
Lamadrid looks a decent player but his midfield partnership with Kante is underwhelming
Watching him receive the ball from the centre-backs with his back to play simply isn’t his game.
He neither turns quickly enough nor appears comfortable with pressure arriving from behind.
That was demonstrated inside the opening minute when, presumably, Konstantinos Mavropanos thought he was making a pass to he recently sold Mateus Fernandes.
Instead, the ball found Kanté, who was immediately dispossessed, gifting Rangers an excellent attacking opportunity.
I don’t doubt that Espírito Santo has other plans for the centre of midfield, and I suspect nothing he saw at Ibrox will have surprised him.
But in terms of Kanté and Lamadrid (who looks to be a promising player albeit lightweight), we really do have two round pegs in square holes.
West Ham will need the return of Tomas Souček, Soungoutou Magassa and, ideally, one or two new signings because I don’t believe we’ll want to start Championship matches with that partnership.
Hopefully, with the funds generated from the sale of Crysencio Summerville, West Ham’s recruitment team can now address those shortcomings before the new season gets underway.