‘Could kill them’ – Wayne Rooney reveals one Graham Potter decision would be disastrous for West Ham
West Ham have shown a complete lack of leadership in their opening six games this season.
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has been their only authoritative figure in the dressing room, and showed his class in response to a wobble following the 3-2 defeat to Wolves.
It was again too easy for Crystal Palace to run through the Irons in the 2-1 defeat at the weekend, with issues needing to be addressed ahead of the game against Everton.
Graham Potter looks set to pay the price for West Ham’s poor form, but the Hammers’ lack of quality on the pitch is at times beyond the 50-year-old’s control.
Wayne Rooney blasts West Ham’s lack of leaders
Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney has been vocal about the Hammers ahead of their trip to the Toffees next time out in the Premier League.
Rooney was disappointed with West Ham’s defeat to Crystal Palace and especially the Hammers’ poor defending from set pieces.
Potter’s side have now conceded seven goals from corners this season, and could do with being more commanding in the box.
Rooney thinks the Hammers could benefit from more leaders in the squad, which could help their weak mentality defensively.
He told BBC Sport: “When you’re struggling it is very difficult to play the young players. If they’re good enough and head and shoulders above, then of course you play them – but sometimes you can kill them if you throw them into a struggling team.
“It doesn’t help them with their careers and, before you know it, they’re in a really bad position.
“Over the past 10 years, the success West Ham have had has been when you’ve got players like Mark Noble and Declan Rice – players who have got quality on the ball.
- West Ham have conceded four more goals than any other side from corners
- The Hammers have conceded the most in the league with 13
- They missed out on signing another defender on loan in the summer transfer window
“They’re going to take the game by the scruff of the neck, lead the other players and put tackles in, and that runs right through the team.
“Then the other players react to that. That’s what West Ham are missing – that leader in there who’s going to do that for them.
“There’s no hiding place when you’re playing in the Premier League, and there’s a lot of pressure from fans.
“If you’re a winning team, no problem. Throw them in – that’s when you see young players thrive. But you have to be a little bit more careful with teams who are struggling.”
James Ward-Prowse to be dropped vs Everton
James Ward-Prowse has come under fire at West Ham.
The midfielder is one of those who has lacked any leadership so far this season, and should be dropped in order to develop other players.
Soungoutou Magassa deserves a start, after struggling for gametime since his £14million switch to East London from Monaco.
Equally, Freddie Potts and George Earthy turned down opportunities to return to the Championship on loan to fight for their place at the London Stadium.
Should Potter continue to start Ward-Prowse, he will be gone before you know it, and the Hammers’ youngsters could finally be given an opportunity.
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