Luis Guilherme to save Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United as official statement released
Julen Lopetegui could unleash the perfect weapon to turn around his fate at West Ham United with Luis Guilherme in the ranks.
Following the news that Mohammed Kudus’ three-match ban has been extended by the FA to five games [FA, 6 November], Lopetegui is without one of his key operators until next month.
With the opportunity knocking for Crysencio Summerville, the summer signing from Leeds United – seemingly reluctantly now given his chance by Lopetegui – has been a recent shining light in a poor season.
Guilherme, just 18, is next in line but was, like Summerville, signed for a fee of around £25million and may as well be handed an opportunity with no fear.
West Ham United have nothing to lose with Luis Guilherme
Lopetegui has tended to prefer the old guard so far during his tenure, with the likes of Michail Antonio and Lucas Paqueta consistently given game time, and clearly has reservations about chucking in his teenage talent.
Summerville has been patient enough in earning his chance, as Kudus’ stupid dismissal at Tottenham costs him a hefty period out of the side – namely the end of October and now the whole of November.
Guilherme, a future project or not, was signed for a huge sum and was the first on the board over the summer for Tim Steidten. He has played just five minutes of Premier League football so far and has excelled when thrown in for the Under-21s. If anytime soon is his time, it’s now.
The Hammers are constantly suffering from a lack of consistency – it’s one step forward and two huge steps back. Capitulations have been commonplace and a player like Guilherme, however inexperienced in English football, will run himself into the ground for the cause.
His ability is unquestioned following the senior games he already racked up in Brazil with Palmeiras, and for all the negativity about West Ham’s ageing squad, the experience around him would help abundantly to settle him in.
Lopetegui has been too reserved and it hasn’t worked his way; it’s time to jump the gun a little more as it might just save his soul.
In other West Ham news, the club are interested in another star from Brazil, who has made his intentions clear.
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