Nuno Espirito Santo will be pleased with Keiber Lamadrid’s West Ham debut – here’s why
Keiber Lamadrid made his long-awaited West Ham debut in the 1-0 FA Cup win over Burton Albion on Saturday.
Lamadrid signed for the Hammers in the winter transfer window, and has been mostly used in the Under-21 side.
However, he was handed his first-team bow by Nuno Espirito Santo at the Pirelli Stadium on 14 February in a much-changed Irons team that were forced into extra-time.
The Venezuelan winger did not impact the game, in terms of goal contributions, but there was still reason for his manager to be impressed.
How did Lamadrid perform in West Ham vs Burton Albion?
Lamadrid is very much a signing for West Ham‘s future, that was made clear when he was signed, initially on loan with an option to buy in the summer.
However, he was given his first chance in claret and blue against the League One side, as Nuno made 10 changes to his side, and the boss will surely be pleased with his display.
He had 27 touches in the contest, and completed 90 per cent of the 21 passes that he attempted, per Sofascore.
The Irons’ new number 21 produced 10 carries for a total distance of 102.5 m, as he tried to take his side up the pitch and make something happen.
The former Deportivo La Guaira star also contributed defensively, making three recoveries, one tackle and one clearance.
He won two of the six duels that he attempted, showing the fight that is required to play for the East London club, before he was taken off after 71 minutes.
Why West Ham fans need to be patient with Lamadrid
London Stadium supporters cannot be too critical of Lamadrid, as the underlying numbers show that he actually had a positive impact on their performance.
The fact that he was thrown into a team that was missing regular starters must also be considered, as several changes were made, and it is hard to find a rhythm in a team that has not played together a lot.
The young winger is still adapting to the pace and physicality of English football, and the Venezuelan season finished in December, so he is essentially still in pre-season.
He showed glimpses of promise, and there looks to be a player there, the fans in E20 will just have to be patient and wait for him to get used to his new surroundings.
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