AliousAs West Ham United continues to navigate through a challenging period under the stewardship of Julen Lopetegui, discussions surrounding the team’s performance have intensified. The club’s substantial summer investment, totaling over £155 million for nine new signings, naturally elevated expectations among supporters and pundits alike. However, the transition from David Moyes’ tenure to Lopetegui’s reign has proven to be more complex than initially anticipated, particularly given the significant squad overhaul.
One of the primary objectives for Lopetegui upon his arrival was to enhance the team’s style of play. This task was widely perceived as one of the more straightforward aspects of his role, yet progress in this area has been notably absent. The team’s performances have lacked discernible patterns of play or significant improvements in both approach and results. This was evident once again in the recent 1-1 draw against Brentford, where, barring a brief moment of fluid one-touch buildup leading to West Ham’s equalizer, the team’s overall play remained largely uninspiring.
While securing a point away from home in the Premier League is generally considered a positive outcome, the context of this particular result is less favorable. Brentford, missing eight key players, presented an opportunity for West Ham to assert themselves and potentially claim a crucial victory. The failure to capitalize on this situation has only intensified the scrutiny on Lopetegui and his squad.
The West Ham fanbase appears divided on the root causes of the team’s struggles. Some point to a lack of leadership and character within the squad, while others highlight vulnerabilities in defense and a dearth of creativity in attack. However, a growing consensus suggests that the central midfield is the epicenter of West Ham’s problems. The absence of chemistry and balance among Lopetegui’s diverse midfield options has been glaringly apparent.
Another area of concern has been the team’s set-piece execution, which has markedly declined from the previous season when it was considered one of West Ham’s most potent weapons. This regression has had a tangible impact on results, further complicating the team’s efforts to climb the league table.
Amidst these challenges, one particular decision made by the club during the summer transfer window has come under intense scrutiny: the loan of James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest. While Ward-Prowse may not have been spectacular in open play during his time with West Ham, his contribution of 18 goals and assists in his debut season, coupled with his work ethic, leadership qualities, and consistent performances, made him a valuable asset to the team.
The decision to allow Ward-Prowse to depart has been questioned by several pundits, including Don Hutchison and Kevin Nolan, who struggle to comprehend the logic behind replacing him with players like Guido Rodriguez. This sentiment has been further reinforced by recent comments from Gareth Bale, one of the most celebrated players of the modern era.
Bale, known for his own prowess in dead-ball situations, was asked to rank the best set-piece takers in a “winner stays on” format for TikTok. The former Real Madrid and Wales star navigated through a list of Premier League icons, including Frank Lampard, Sebastian Larsson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianfranco Zola, Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, and David Beckham. Surprisingly, Bale ultimately conceded that Ward-Prowse was, in fact, superior to all of them – including himself – when it came to free-kick taking ability.
This high praise from a player of Bale’s caliber serves to underscore the questionable nature of West Ham’s decision to part ways with Ward-Prowse. It raises valid questions about whether he would have been a more suitable option for the current squad, particularly in comparison to new signings like Rodriguez. The ability to introduce a player of Ward-Prowse’s set-piece expertise, especially in situations where the team is struggling to break down opponents, could have been invaluable.
While it’s understood that Ward-Prowse desired a starting role, the fact remains that he was under contract with West Ham. This gave Lopetegui the authority to retain his services if he so wished. The decision to allow his departure now appears increasingly shortsighted, potentially representing a significant misstep in the club’s transfer strategy.
As West Ham continues to grapple with its on-field issues, the absence of Ward-Prowse looms large. Only time will tell whether this decision will be vindicated, but current evidence suggests it may have been a costly error in judgment. The coming weeks and months will be crucial for Lopetegui and West Ham as they seek to overcome these challenges and realize the potential of their expensively assembled squad.
Alious
