AliousThe West Ham United faithful are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the September international break, keen to see Julen Lopetegui’s ambitious project gain momentum. The club’s technical director, Tim Steidten, has demonstrated considerable financial commitment, orchestrating a spending spree exceeding £120 million. However, with two losses from their opening three Premier League fixtures, it’s evident that there’s still work to be done.
While these defeats came against formidable opponents in Aston Villa and the perennially dominant Manchester City – the latter fueled by Erling Haaland’s phenomenal goal-scoring prowess – any continuation of inconsistent form in the coming weeks could potentially spark concern among the West Ham faithful.
Lopetegui has at his disposal a squad brimming with quality, yet one can’t help but wonder if he yearns for a talismanic figure in the mold of Declan Rice, whose departure just over a year ago left a void in the heart of the Hammers’ midfield.
The sale of Rice to Arsenal for a club-record £105 million marked the end of an era at the London Stadium. Having risen through the ranks after being scouted as a youngster, Rice blossomed into a cornerstone of the team, amassing 245 appearances and eventually inheriting the captain’s armband from the retiring Mark Noble.
Club chairman David Sullivan’s pre-emptive announcement of Rice’s impending sale before the 2022/23 season’s conclusion was a bitter pill for fans to swallow. However, Rice’s integral role in securing the Conference League title in his swansong appearance somewhat sweetened the departure.
Since joining Arsenal, Rice has continued his upward trajectory, proving instrumental in Mikel Arteta’s quest to challenge Manchester City’s Premier League hegemony. His return to the London Stadium in Arsenal colors, punctuated by a goal in a 6-0 drubbing, was a poignant reminder of his quality and a contributing factor to David Moyes’ eventual departure.
Yet, the question remains: do West Ham truly lament Rice’s exit? While the loss of a homegrown talent is always difficult, the £105 million windfall has been reinvested shrewdly across the squad. Despite Rice’s undeniable quality, his final season with West Ham saw the club finish a disappointing 14th in the Premier League.
Contrastingly, in the wake of Rice’s departure, West Ham enjoyed a more successful campaign, securing an 8th place finish in the Premier League and reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they were narrowly bested by an impressive Bayer Leverkusen side.
The arrival of Edson Alvarez has gone some way to filling the void left by Rice, bringing a combative presence to the midfield. James Ward-Prowse’s set-piece expertise has added a new dimension to the team’s attacking arsenal, while Konstantinos Mavropanos has bolstered the defensive line.
However, the crown jewel of West Ham’s recent acquisitions has undoubtedly been Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian winger, signed from Ajax for £38 million, has set the Premier League alight with his electrifying performances. His ability to ghost past defenders with his quick feet and unpredictable movements has made him a nightmare for opposition defenses.
Statistically, Kudus’s impact is clear. He ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, showcasing his ability to drive the team forward. Moreover, his ranking in the top 3% for tackles made per 90 minutes highlights his work rate and defensive contribution – a rare combination for a player in his position.
As West Ham continue to evolve post-Rice, the emergence of Kudus as a potential superstar suggests that the club’s future remains bright. While Rice’s departure was undoubtedly a significant moment in the club’s recent history, the strategic reinvestment of the funds received has allowed West Ham to build a more rounded, dynamic squad.
The true test of Lopetegui’s project will come in the weeks and months ahead. If he can harness the individual talents at his disposal and forge them into a cohesive unit, West Ham could well find themselves pushing for European qualification once again. The ghost of Declan Rice may linger, but in Mohammed Kudus, West Ham may have found a new talisman to lead them into an exciting new era.
Alious
