Debate has swirled throughout the international break regarding West Ham’s best starting XI, now that the club has an abundance of options.
But if fans are perplexed, one can only imagine how Julen Lopetegui feels ahead of their trip to Fulham. In terms of selection headaches, the West Ham boss likely has more than just a mild inconvenience – it’s more of a splitting migraine.
For many supporters, the consensus is that new striker Niclas Fullkrug or the ever-reliable Jarrod Bowen should lead the line when West Ham are at full strength this season.
However, Lopetegui is waiting until the last moment to decide whether Fullkrug will be fit enough to face Fulham after the German forward sustained a knock on international duty. The manager’s decision could significantly impact the shape of his team.
Lopetegui’s Conundrum: Too Many Choices
If Fullkrug is ruled out, it will narrow Lopetegui’s attacking options, but it won’t necessarily make his job of selecting the starting XI any easier.
With a squad brimming with fresh faces and talent, the Spanish coach is still searching for his ideal system and set-up.
There have been moments of promise, such as their performance against Manchester City, where West Ham looked competitive in phases. Yet the team is far from the finished article.
The real selection dilemma for Lopetegui lies in midfield. West Ham boasts a wealth of talent, with stalwarts like Tomas Soucek and enforcer Edson Alvarez competing for places alongside new stars like Guido Rodriguez, Lucas Paqueta, PSG loanee Carlos Soler, and even Mohammed Kudus.
Lopetegui now faces some difficult decisions, particularly after making some bold comments about Soler’s potential impact on the squad.
Soler’s Arrival Spells Trouble for West Ham Duo
Paqueta, once a talisman for the Hammers, has caused his manager considerable frustration, though not for the reasons one might expect.
The Brazilian midfielder has struggled to regain his best form since the latter half of last season. With his future potentially hanging in the balance due to an ongoing investigation, Paqueta appears distracted.
Lopetegui has moved him back into a central role, but Paqueta is not delivering, and with West Ham’s new arrivals, his place in the starting XI is far from secure.
Meanwhile, Soucek was widely expected to be one of the biggest casualties of the summer. His performances, particularly under David Moyes, had declined, and many thought Lopetegui’s arrival would signal the end of his starting berth.
However, Soucek has managed to hold his place and continues to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Despite this, his omission from the starting line-up against Manchester City raised eyebrows, leading many to believe that he is destined for a bench role as the season progresses.
Edson Alvarez, another key figure, had a stellar first half of last season before his form dipped. There’s a lingering suspicion that the Mexican midfielder was angling for a move over the summer, though injury curtailed any potential exit.
Alvarez’s frustration has been evident, particularly when substituted during matches as he regains full fitness. But he remains a crucial part of West Ham’s plans.
In the midst of this midfield maelstrom stands Rodriguez. The Argentine has been a revelation since his arrival and has arguably been one of West Ham’s standout performers this season.
His presence adds further competition, as Lopetegui must now decide how to balance Rodriguez with the returning Alvarez, the energetic Soucek, and the underperforming Paqueta.
Lopetegui’s Faith in Soler: A Warning for Paqueta and Soucek
Carlos Soler’s integration has been slower than the others, partly due to a disrupted pre-season at PSG. Yet Lopetegui has been unequivocal in his belief that the Spaniard will be a pivotal figure once fully fit.
Speaking ahead of the Fulham match, Lopetegui was full of praise for Soler, indicating that his arrival could mean bad news for Soucek, Paqueta, or even Alvarez.
“It’s been good working with Carlos since he came in, and helping him understand the way we want to play,” Lopetegui said during his pre-match press conference. “He’s a good player, at a good age, and he can help us in a different position.”
Lopetegui’s comments follow a similar sentiment he expressed after the defeat to Manchester City.
“I think that Carlos Soler is a good player and he is going to help us, for sure,” the manager said.
“He is maybe at his best age, as he’s 27, he has international experience and is a very good player. He has a good profile for us as he can play in different positions, and I think he is going to help us to be better.”
The implication is clear: Soler is being primed for a regular role in the starting XI. As soon as the Spaniard is match-fit, it seems inevitable that he will take one of the coveted midfield spots. This development is likely to push Soucek or Paqueta – or perhaps even Alvarez – to the periphery.
A Midfield Battle to Watch
The competition in West Ham’s midfield is fierce, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For Lopetegui, this level of depth and quality is a luxury that few managers can afford.
On paper, a midfield trio of Paqueta, Soler, and a defensive-minded player like Alvarez or Rodriguez looks formidable. But with so many players vying for a place, difficult decisions will have to be made.
Lopetegui is paid the big bucks to make these calls, and his handling of the situation will be closely watched. The clash against Fulham on Saturday will offer the first glimpse of how the Spaniard plans to navigate this midfield conundrum.
Will he stick with his tried-and-tested options, or will he take a gamble on Soler and some of the other new arrivals?
Whatever the outcome, it promises to be a fascinating season for West Ham, and the competition for places in midfield is just one of the many subplots to follow.