Lucas Paqueta problem, Niclas Fullkrug now Premier League ready – 3 things learned vs Lille
West Ham United battled to a 1-1 draw against Lille in their final pre-season friendly, and there were plenty of positives.
Niclas Fullkrug equalised late on after an excellent team move, following Olivier Giroud’s stunning opener, and the Hammers won the subsequent penalty shootout.
West Ham have had a frustrating summer transfer window, but their pre-season campaign was positive, and the team looks well prepared for the return of competitive action.
There were some negatives in the draw against Lille, but Graham Potter will have a good idea of what his team will look like for the opening day.
Fullkrug ready to make Premier League impact
Fullkrug had a nightmare first season at West Ham following his move from Borussia Dortmund, with injuries plaguing him throughout the campaign.
The 32-year-old found his fitness towards the end of last season, and has begun to make the impact many expected of him after his high-profile transfer.
The striker’s link-up play with Jarrod Bowen was superb throughout, and his goal was a well-taken finish to rescue the draw.
After a whole year in England, Fullkrug now looks ready to make an impact in the Premier League, in a major boost for Potter.
Freddie Potts has earned his starting spot
Freddie Potts was outstanding on loan at Portsmouth last season, and there is plenty of excitement over the 21-year-old.
The midfielder started alongside the more experienced James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta, but was the most impressive of the trio in the middle.
| Stat (Championship 24/25) | Freddie Potts |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Minutes played | 3062 |
| Goal involvements | 5 |
| Duels won | 231 |
| Interceptions | 39 |
Potts’ composure on the ball, as well as his desire to look up and play it forward, were both huge positives, and he has arguably played his way into the starting lineup for the Premier League.
West Ham have Paqueta problem
Paqueta has an uncertain future at West Ham, and his performance against Lille was well below par, which could mean they have a problem on their hands.
The Brazilian could leave this summer, but West Ham will aim to maximise the fee, and would also need to replace Paqueta.
If he stays, then the 27-year-old will really need to up his game, after a display in which he gave the ball away carelessly on several occasions and failed to make an impact in the final third.
Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.