I may be reading too much into the Crysencio Summerville signing, but it’s got me thinking about the potential makeup of the West Ham team under Julen Lopetegui.
It may well be that the Leeds United winger starts life as a substitute at West Ham, and let’s face it, how often can a coach call on a squad of fit players? Nonetheless, I have allowed myself to daydream slightly and ponder what the role of Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus might be next season.
The signing of Summerville has got me wondering whether Paqueta might be used as a number eight alongside Edson Alvarez when everyone is fit. The position is a familiar one to Paq-Man, who often plays in central midfield alongside a more defensive player, so stranger things have happened.
It’s usually at this point that someone mentions “double pivots,” but I’ll spare you all that most modern of contradictions in terms. Paqueta playing alongside Alvarez in a 4-2-3-1 may possibly be a good use of his skills, which brings us nicely onto Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghanaian has muddied my musings somewhat by claiming to want to play right wing under Lopetegui as recently as last week. This completely contradicts what the former Ajax man said last season, which suggested attacking midfield was his preference, and that’s where I believe he’ll play when everyone is fit.
I’m probably completely wrong, of course, but a trio of Summerville, Kudus, and Bowen behind a centre forward could well be the answer to Lopetegui’s game of West Ham musical chairs.
Let’s get the deals done before opinion s of who will play wherever,this is west ham.
That’s exactly how I see it. Paqueta and Alvarez behind Summerville, Kudus and Bowen, behind the striker
I agree, Gonzo (with the caveat that we do eventually get the Summerville deal over the line). I’d like to see Paqueta playing in a deeper role with Kudus in the 10 position. Not a fan of Kudus or Bowen out wide on the left. They are not as effective there.
Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself. Summerville deal not yet nailed on.
Agreed. And IF he signs, he starts I reckon.
Keep reading things to do with Newcastle or Liverpool buying Bowen. Michael Owen saying Liverpool shoukd buy Bowen after it emerged they can’t get Anthony Gordon. Conspiracy theory would be that West Ham are preparing to sell Bowen. Kudus to take over Bowen right wing position. Can’t see it myself though. I think Bowen is with West Ham on a long contract and probably with West Ham for the rest of his career.
Bowen is going nowhere, pledged the rest of his career to us. ⚒️⚒️⚒️
What’s great is that all that players can play multiple positions, so maybe no matter what their starting position they can all be fluid and interchangeable during a game, confusing the opposition.