Julen Lopetegui to promote U21s gem Josh Ajala as West Ham United injury update emerges
Julen Lopetegui has yet to bring through any of the West Ham United youngsters as his side struggle to change their form in the Premier League.
The Spaniard is already under pressure at the London Stadium, just seven matches into the new campaign, and the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup on Wednesday (25 September) is far from ideal.
Even despite the number of attacking talents at Lopetegui’s disposal – Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio to name just a few – goals seem to be lacking.
This was a major problem under David Moyes last season, which eventually saw him part ways with the club. Now, even with Lopetegui’s more adventurous playing style, goals are not flowing.
That very issue has been made much harder by Niclas Fullkrug’s continuous injury problem, as he has already missed three matches after arriving in a £27million deal this summer [BBC Sport].
Josh Ajala to step up at West Ham United as Fullkrug injury continues
Roshane Thomas took to X [26 September] to write : “Lopetegui says he’s not sure if Fullkrug will be available for this weekend’s game against Brentford.”
With this in mind, Lopetegui must look to the Under-21s team and promote Josh Ajala to the first team to provide cover for Antonio and Danny Ings in the final third.
The 17-year-old centre-forward already has three goals in four Premier League 2 appearances so far, while also gaining experience in the EFL Trophy against Reading and Newport County.
He also hit 17 goals in 23 Premier League U18 appearances last term, seeing him rise quickly through the ranks at the London Stadium, and the final stop could be Lopetegui’s team this weekend.
If Fullkrug is a major doubt for the Brentford clash, there is absolutely no reason why Ajala should not be given an opportunity to impress. After all, the Hammers do not want a repeat of Divin Mubama’s situation.
In other West Ham news, Stuart Pearce has shared a Julen Lopetegui sack verdict amid praise for the owners’ new decision.
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