West Ham United already have answer to Guido Rodriguez problem ahead of January
West Ham United have had a rather large issue with their midfield ranks since the 2024/25 season kicked off.
Although the likes of Carlos Soler and Guido Rodriguez were brought in to bolster the Hammers’ ranks, it’s felt like the centre of the park is one of the main areas that has let them down this season.
In fact, the latter of the aforementioned duo is already looking for a way out of the London Stadium, with a return to Real Betis his preferred option in the upcoming January window [InfoRealBetis].
While the 2022 World Cup winner exiting would leave something of a void that needs to be filled by Julen Lopetegui, it feels like a departure would be the best thing for both parties, especially with Lewis Orford ready and waiting to be offered a shot at the first team.
The youngster is one of the most highly regarded talents at the London Stadium at the moment and it feels like he could have a bright future ahead of him with the performances he’s put in for the Under-21s this term.
Lewis Orford a possible replacement at West Ham for Guido Rodriguez
Lopetegui’s midfield this season has lacked both energy and athleticism which, when you’re a Premier League side, is far from ideal.
Orford is a West Ham academy graduate and embodies everything about the London-based club and would no doubt be a stellar addition to their first-team fold.
Take the impact of Declan Rice, for example. David Moyes gave him a chance at a young age and, while he was poached from Chelsea’s academy, he became the player he is today due to the trust that the Scotsman placed upon him to help solidify the London Stadium outfit’s defensive line.
Orford is also still only 18 years old so there’s plenty of time left for him to develop into an even better player than he already is.
This campaign alone, he’s already notched three assists in the Premier League 2, which shows that not only is he solid defensively but he could also offer a helping hand in attack too.
Of course, nothing is set in stone about the future of Rodriguez just yet but if he is to leave, the prospect of Orford entering the first-team fold should be something that is carefully considered by Lopetegui.
In other West Ham news, Lucas Paqueta has a chance to shine for the Hammers after a key Liverpool man has been ruled out.
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