Julen Lopetegui to be doomed at West Ham United unless he makes Mohammed Kudus tactic reshuffle
West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui could turn around his side’s fortunes with a tactical reshuffle in the attacking third of the pitch.
The Spaniard has lost two of his opening three Premier League fixtures in East London after the 3-1 loss to Manchester City on Saturday [31 August].
While it was a tall task for the Hammers to claim three points over the English champions, the players gave a good account of themselves but one issue became apparent throughout the 90 minutes.
West Ham (C)central [1 September] posted on their X account, that Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus both who struggled against Man City, will be best served swapping positions moving forward, that move could be the key for Lopetegui this season.
Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta should swap positions for West Ham United
Paqueta cost West Ham early into their clash with Man City, he was easily dispossessed by Bernardo Silva in his own defensive third, allowing Erling Haaland to give the visitors the lead.
The Brazilian was a passenger on the day losing possession 14 times, he made one error leading to the opening goal [Sofascore] and was a shadow of his former self as Man City dominated proceedings.
Kudus was equally ineffective on the flanks, he completed only 50 per cent of his dribbles, was dispossessed 12 times, and failed to register a shot on target with two shots off-target and one blocked.
However, despite the influx of arrivals in East London this summer, the key to unlocking the potential of this West Ham side lies in two of their current attacking stars Kudus and Paqueta.
Once Fullkrug takes his rightful place ahead of Michael Antonio at the spearhead of the attack, Lopetegui should look to move Paqueta out wide and move Kudus behind the 6ft 2in forward.
The German could create a partnership with Kudus through the centre, utilising his hold-up play and aerial ability to find Kudus in one-on-one situations through the middle and in turn find space as the Ghanian occupies the opposition defenders.
Whereas Paqueta, who completed 80 per cent of his long balls against Man City, can put the ball on a plate for Fullkrug from wide positions.
Risks can reap rewards in football and Lopetegui should try the switch for the trip to Fulham after the international break and watch his side flourish. If he doesn’t, well, he could be doomed to failure already.
In other West Ham news, an out-of-window signing for the Hammers was hinted at by Julen Lopetegui.
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