Carlos Soler embroiled in puzzling West Ham United situation
BBC Sport journalist Josh Lobley has been left baffled by the exclusion of Carlos Soler from the West Ham United starting XI this season.
The midfielder was brought in towards the end of the summer transfer window and was expected to offer the Hammers another option in the centre of the park.
This has happened on the odd occasion but as Lobley outlines in his article for the BBC Sport website (14 November), his absence has left many scratching their heads.
“Carlos Soler’s lack of game time seems puzzling too,” he wrote. “Lopetegui’s fellow Spaniard has won trophies in two countries and has almost 20 Champions League matches under his belt. He could add much-needed experience”.
Carlos Soler needs to be in the West Ham United starting XI
To put it politely, West Ham have been way below par this season across all competitions.
The Hammers currently sit 14th in the Premier League table and haven’t shown anything in their performances lately that makes it seem as if they’re going to end the season higher than where they currently sit.
Many of Julen Lopetegui’s players have had poor seasons this time around, including Lucas Paqueta. Last season the Brazilian was a key cog in David Moyes’ system, but this term he’s felt like a shadow of his former self.
Soler could easily replicate the role Paqueta has in the team and could perhaps provide a fresh outlook on how and where attacks for West Ham can be started.
The Spaniard may only be on loan but if he can prove his worth, the Hammers could choose to make the move permanent. In order for that to happen, Lopetegui needs to afford his fellow countryman a chance to start.
In other West Ham news, Emerson will surely be sweating about his starting XI spot if the Hammers sign Archie Brown in January.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.