With so much emphasis on yesterdays occasionally pedestrian performance against Lille, there is, still, definitely a need for genuine pace in this West Ham side In the absence of Crysencio Summerville, West Ham suffered on the pitch from the same old issues which dogged the side last year. Fortunately, Summerville appears to be on the mend and is still scheduled for a September comeback.
In the ‘secret’ second of two friendlies- this one behind closed doors, unused players from the main event yesterday again took to the pitch against a second string Lille side today: The Irons didn’t come out winners this time but by all intents and purposes there was a top-tier performance by Luis Guilherme who scored once and hit the bar.
Couldn’t have come at a better time, with the Hammers searching for pace and goal scoring talent without buying-in: Perhaps the very solution they seek is right under Graham Potters’ nose. The young talented Brazilian surely offers something different and deserves to feature in Potter’s plans next season. Niclas Fullkrug was criticised by Potter yesterday and is unlikely to be the answer for every minute of every game. Guilherme coming on at 70 minutes would scare the pants off most flagging defenders and could finally start to live upto the hype that accompanied his £20 million plus purchase in the Tim Steidten splurge of last summer.
It is not through lack of ambition: The young Brazilian clearly wants to play:
“I hope I can play some great games in pre-season and throughout the season ahead. I’m very happy with the opportunity the coach is giving me. I’m getting better and better, feeling better and better on the field.” He told whufc.com after the USA summer tour.
Potter’s squad selection against Sunderland will be telling. As he showed yesterday, West Ham’s manager does have a propensity towards dull, safe selections but with Guilherme having served up a timely reminder of his potential, surely deserves his chance.