Most would agree that Carlos Soler is unlikely to be pulling on the West Ham shirt next season.
Not only has the Spanish international been little more than a bit-part player during this campaign, but his £235k-per-week wages are prohibitively expensive for a long-term stay.
That said, his imminent departure from East London shouldn’t mean he has no role to play for the remainder of the season. In fact, West Ham have often looked at their best when Soler has featured in the same side as Lucas Paquetá — and that should come as no surprise, given they are the club’s two best progressive passers.
There seems to be a growing belief among Irons supporters that Graham Potter simply doesn’t have the players needed to implement his preferred style. While there’s little doubt he’ll look to reinforce the squad with more technically comfortable ball players, nobody is forcing him to play Tomáš Souček and Edson Álvarez every week — that’s a choice he’s making.
If Potter’s time at Brighton is anything to go by, he wants to build a possession-based side — which makes it puzzling that he isn’t utilising West Ham’s most technically gifted players more often.
Much has been made of Niclas Füllkrug’s impact against Bournemouth last weekend, but Soler played a crucial role in that performance. He allowed West Ham to pass progressively, gave Paquetá a partner in crime, and offered a level of control rarely seen this season.
No doubt, Potter will be tempted to take a defensive approach when West Ham face Liverpool on Saturday — but starting with more than one forward-thinking passer in the midfield might not be such a bad idea.
Reportedly we are after a quarter of the Southampton team that has just been relegated and stand on 10 points for the season…FFS.
Dont believe every rumour. you read .
Potter shud b goin 4 it at Liverpool with an attacking line up 4-4-2 yes two strikers
In defence of Graham Potter, if he continues to field what he considers to be his best team every game, then nobody gets the chance to progress and experience different situations.
In the old days with no substitutes, there were no options. But the better sides were the experienced teams who played together and learnt each others strengths over many games together. These days with nine substitutes on the bench, experimentation and variety is the name of the game. Building a library of formations, styles and reactions is very important.
Man U and Man City are examples of works in progress. Man U mostly chaos. Man City amazingly underperforming considering how long Pep has had to plan.
Potter will grow the side to become competent. He is taking the opportunity afforded right now to discover various parameters. We will come good. No one game will be a watershed. Certainly not on Sunday – win lose or draw.
COYI
Potter will likely field a team in a 9-0-1 formation and hope for the best, accept the loss with humility and move on to the next game.
I thought he was on £80,000 per week?????????