Andy Townsend shares biggest problem for West Ham United after what he saw
West Ham United’s lack of energy in midfield is the main “ingredient” missing for Julen Lopetegui, according to Andy Townsend.
Speaking on talkSPORT (11 November, 9:28am), Townsend highlighted that whenever the likes of Guido Rodriguez or Tomas Soucek play in the middle of the park, the Irons’ lack of speed and energy is stark.
Both Rodriguez and Soucek started in the Hammers’ 0-0 draw with Everton on 9 November and were frequently bypassed by the visitors despite both teams being extremely limited in the final third.
Townsend said: “When I watch West Ham – it’s been well-documented recently about energy in the middle of the park, whether it’s Guido Rodriguez or whether it’s Soucek, whoever it is playing in there, they don’t have tons of energy.
“West Ham to me lack that – more than any other ingredient – they seemingly lack the ability to really get up and down that park quicker than their opponent.”
Julen Lopetegui has problems to solve in midfield for West Ham
Although neither the Hammers nor Everton did anywhere near enough to win Saturday’s match – one of the most forgettable 0-0 draws in recent memory – the hosts still had to do their best not to lose it.
The Irons’ immobile midfield was exploited in the opening stages of the match as Everton raced clear on the break, only for Crysencio Summerville to sprint back and block Abdoulaye Doucoure’s shot.
Summerville having to run from the left wing, past his defensive midfield duo of Rodriguez and Soucek, and back to his box to keep the game scoreless, should set alarm bells ringing for Lopetegui.
While Soucek has been a valuable servant in East London and has a lot of credit in the bank, Rodriguez’s continual use – he’s started all 11 league games this season – continues to leave fans scratching heads.
Carlos Soler, the soon-to-return Edson Alvarez and even Andy Irving would provide more dynamism in the middle, and a change must surely come soon if Lopetegui is to truly address his side’s biggest issue.
In other West Ham news, Jason Cundy predicted what might happen if the Irons appoint a left-field candidate to replace Lopetegui.
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