Three Players to Fail Under Lopetegui | J-Lo's West Ham, Which Players Will Struggle in His System? 

Dead right about Zouma he almost sends an email to the opposition regarding what he’s gonna do - too deliberate and clumsy

We all know J Lo will emphasise possession and passing but improving the fitness level of the team to press the opposition needs addressing in our ageing squad

I bloody love Soucek, and I hope we keep him. I think he could adapt to Lopetegui, he loves this club and we need to keep players like him around

Soucek is a world-class level athlete 🏃‍♂️. But his footballing ability is not premier league level.

Hope Lopy watched the championship playoff final yesterday.If so he'll insist on retaining Flynn Downse , he was excellent.

Look at the defence of our competitors, Villa, Spuds, Newcastle and we’re light years away. We need 3 or 4 replacements at the back imho

Coufal, Ings, Zouma, Soucek, Cresswell, Cornet, and Antonio all need to be shifted out. 3 would be a minimum. We need wholesale restructuring. All those wasted signings, and the remaining players being "Moysed" means a clear out.

Morning both -before I watch this the 3 that will struggle are Soucek , Coufal and Ings

We’ve known it for ages but now in hindsight, having Zouma in the team playing regularly has been a disaster - and he’s been woeful as a captain - him, Oggy, Coufal and Soucek all in the same team, no wonder we have shipped so many goals - and it would have been a whole lot more if it wasn’t for our goalkeepers - Zouma simply should just never play for us again. I think that JWP could maybe thrive - second half against Luton in the final game I thought he was really good - he was passing and moving and was pretty slick - I’ve never figured out what his actual role was under David Moyes as he didn’t really affect the game - he wasn’t really defensive and he wasn’t really offensive - obviously the whole team sat on the edge of our penalty box for most of the game so of course he was in a defensive system but individually, didn’t have a clear style or role so I think he can adapt… Emerson can thrive but has to be played as an attacking midfielder imo - Paq, JWP, Johnson, they’ve all been pushed out there but he’s the natural fit Coufal has to be upgraded - his passing is generally poor - same with Soucek I think we have to get a new right back, a new left back and two centre backs - our entire defence is not up to it Alvarez is a starter and the core - two quick CB’s that can pass behind him and then Phonse in goal Please, please please can we buy a striker? Tonio on his day is brilliant And an absolute battering ram, but surely it is time to have a new approach in our style of play. Downes could thrive… I’m so pleased DM has gone 😊

Maybe he could move Soucek back in to defence? I think I'd trust him more than any of our current defenders. I wondered whether he would suit Lopetegui, but then I thought, well he did buy Craig Dawson and I can see Soucek being exactly that kind of defender. Will head everything away, block everything, and get some goals from set pieces. Definitely in the Dawson and Ginge mould. Whether Tomas would want to do that, I doubt it, but if Lopetegui wants to keep him in the squad next season, I could see a move to CB working out.

J-Lo will love the defensive side of Soucek’s game, as well as his work rate and what a threat he is in the box. He won’t like his passing though. Vlad, he’ll like the attacking side of his game, not so much him lobbying the ball forward. Both are still great options to have on the bench though. A peak Zouma would be fine. The trouble is he’s not anymore. I’m not convinced he’ll see Downes any more as a sub player either. He’s not good enough as a defensive midfielder to start ahead of Alvarez. Watch back the games against Palace at home when he came off the bench and Leicester away in two 2-1 defeats. Both those teams carved through our midfield like a knife through butter and that was while he was playing alongside the Declan Rice. That’s not what you want to see from a ‘defensive midfielder’. I also think he takes too many touches at times and the passing is too safe. I’d love for him to prove me wrong though being a West Ham fan and all that. Otherwise that’s at least £20m for the transfer kitty. I fancy Ward-Prowse to become a favourite under Loppy. He’ll get the best out of his attacking side and we already know he’s good with possession.

Geo, I think the goal you was talking about was against Liverpool where Bowen got down really low to score a header against Van Dijk. It was a pretty dodgy cross by Coufal tbf

That header from JWP where coufal assisted was against Man city at home

You didn't mention Luís Boa Morte, I'm FURIOUS

Taxi for Soucek

When he gets his new job, Moyes will hopefully buy Zouma for £25m

Looking forward to seeing Downes and Cornet given proper runs of games (if they are wanted). They could feel like new signings. Also, Fornals could have been a good option in this system.

Great day for a new start. "Steam Boat Willy" LOL

I can see it being Antonio when the new strikers finally come in he won't be used to being benched every game.

Hey soucek is great at backing off, disengaging whilst pointing sideways to no one. I’d keep him for that alone, very impressive

I don't think you can judge these guys because of the way Moyes made hem play . Soucek and Coufel both have good possession for there country..

Given the number of places we will HAVE to replace, the last thing we need to do is add to that IMHO (especially given the potential hole left in our budget due to Paq). I think all the guys you have highlighted are perfectly good enough to be squad players (and better than last season's bench options). Tomas, I agree he may want to move for guaranteed play, but I wouldn't encourage him to do so. Zouma I think is a guaranteed squad player next season because I can't see any way he would pass a medical to get a move. Yes Gonzo, he swings his leg like a putter when passing and he has little mobility, though he is a formidable blocker when in our box. Antonio I would say is a perfect bench bandit for one last season. Coufal I go against the grain on (as I think you know). I think he's had a good season, not perfect by any means, but is very effective when we're on the front foot, which I think we'll see more of under Loppy. So if we bring in a younger fast RB or RWB, that's great, but I want Coufal to compete for that place. For me, the player we must prioritise to find another home for is Ings. It won't be easy due to his wages, but he will almost certainly want a move and we've got to try and facilitate that (with Soton being the obvious choice)

With Moyes, Soucek was always on the team sheet even when playing badly week after week but with the new coach he will be a bench warmer unless we can offload him quite quickly.

Hi Fella’s Ward Prowse for Captain is a must.

The goal you were talking about (Coufal assist on JWP header) was against City at home, at the beginning of the season. Or could be the match after against Liverpool when Bowen scored a header but I can't remember if it was a Coufal assist as well

The add was the best bit :D

Antonio and Soucek would be out of the door without question. Antonio has never had a good final touch and Soucek's entire season of bad form 22/23 was something I cannot forgive. Make the bold moves to really make us sit up and take note, Loppers....

soucek saved us so many times itll be sad to see him go

An RB is going to be very important. Lopeteugi loves crosses going into the box and Coufal just isn't good enough for that. We also desperately need a Forward that is as good in the air as he is with his feet. Lopetegui loves a headed goal.

The three under danger: Soucek, Coufal & Zouma 🤔 the 3 to hopefully do better: Cornet, Augard & Alvarez, with consideration for Potts, Earthy & Downes.

the header your trying to think of from Bowen was against Liverpool at Anfield

I reckon Ant would be excellent for us with better support and if Lope is attack minded his age wouldn't matter.

I reckon Soucek is a decent sub - either if we're down by 1 or needing 1 to win, he's obviously a target man in the box. But also, if we're 1 up and with 10 mins left, he's a work horse and solid takles/interceptions etc. Zouma = gone, yes. Coufal is a good back up again. Not great but not bad. Definitely need a lot of incoming players before thinking too much about outgoing players. Once we know we've upgraded certain positions, then you can decide whether to let someone go or not! Anticipating that first summer signing soon hopefully!!

Ings hat trick against us approaching in the distance like Lawrence of Arabia…

Cornet could have a resurrection of his career as a squad player under LTG. As you've discussed I just can't see Soucek fitting into the new head coach's plans.

Morning GG ⚒️👍⚒️

Bowen and Ward Prowse both did diving headers. One against Liverpool one against city

Strugglers: (obviously Ings and Cornet) Soucek (especially if Downes is brought back and Potts is brought through) Zouma (broken) and Antonio (can only last 45 minutes). I'm happy to overlook Coufal's defensive limitations because of all his assists, after all even Wan Bisaka got twisted inside out by Doku eventually.

Considering how valued and valuable goal scorers are as well as the blocking that Soucek does I think the new manager will find a way to use him. Agree about Zouma which is a shame but both he and Ogbonna have come to the end for different reasons.

I think soucek is a very good player..... He's committed to the team, playing wholly both defensively and attacking.... I think he's an exception for the hammers

Sad to see Aguerd go seeing JLO at the helm, he would have been electrifying on the ball, only aerially aguerd is poor but would have worked wonders next season and beyond

When Moyse gets the Leicester job we all know where Thomas will be heading, Be careful what you wish for Gary Lineker.

If were binning off zouma and aguerd and only buying 2 centre halves(one of which is this joker bruno) then I can see us going down tbh

I picked Ings as he is too slow for Lopetegui’s fast forward play

I think Soucek would benefit playing in a slower paced league. I would expect him to go abroad.

I think Zouma will struggle under any manager next season -he is broken

I also had Soucek to struggle and Zouma knee knackered also Coufal upgrade required got roasted to often . Tim please get a striker over the line essential . Two new CB essential. Get Midfield sorted . I want that Stadium atmosphere created for the Bayern game for every home game . He gets it right plays our youth we will be the 12th man every home game . We need to give him time it’s a massive overhaul needed. Players to thrive under him . Bowen,Alvarez,Kudus, Emerson,Benny,Cornet ,Downs , Earthy .Marshall, Mumb a if he stays

Wolves brought in Cunha under Lopetegui and played him in a very similar fashion to Antonio under Moyes, granted he wasn’t very good until this season but he’s a creator from centre forward just like Antonio has been for years. Think it’s more likely Lopetegui was adapting his style to the prem at wolves

Soucek, with his midfield stats, can we convert him to a CB and keep a loyal/well loved player while saving money on buying a new defender!!?

Definitely should get what money we can for Soucek while he has decent value

Surely the main focus has to be upgrading a defence which conceded over 70 goals last season

I’d keep Soucek.. need an option 2 in games and he’d provide us with that.

I was actually tempted to buy a manscape but saw one of their ads and they obviously don't want people who look like me so never mind.

Coufal would have had twice his stats if we’d had another striker on the pitch…

Love souchek's character and work ethic. Unfortunately he's champions league in both boxes but lower championship level in the midfield. Which isn't ideal for a midfielder..

I don't really agree with the Coufal critique, I thought he did relatively decent against Doku

Could Soucek not be used in a more central defensive role maybe replacing Zouma - just a suggestion

Could soucek not be used in the pressing/boxcrashing midfielder role? I would've of assumed that he'd being playing second fiddle to JWP in that role next season

GONZO WHERE CAN I BUY THAT JACKET

Any chance WHU could retain Soucek and play him as a CB?

Soucek, although he'd be great coming off the bench, Zouma and Ings. To prosper, Cornet, Earthy and Downes, assuming he stays.

If we could get 15-20 for Soucek and another 15 for Downes to Southampton that could certainly help offset some of what we've lost over the Paqueta non-sale

Guys are you only talking about first players ❓⚒

We don't know what Soucek can do , under a different manager with different tactics

Danny Ings needs outing, Antonio would be a great impact sub if he's willing to accept that role, Zuma and Soucek need to be sold now to allow us to move forward

We need to build a team around bowen and kudos

Every time I've seen Zouma walking onto the pitch I've noticed his very stiff looking legs. Danish Superliga finished yesterday. Best keeper in the League this season was Nathan Trott playing for Vejle.. Wonder what happens with him? Danish teams FCK, Brøndby and AGF wants him. But there should also be interests from other European Leagues. With Areola and Fabianski he probably wont get any chances in West Ham.

Can JLo get Ings to be effective - he was very good once in a few systems - but can he be again?

With Southampton can we get Downes back ?

Soucek came into my head first and his mate might go aswel we need a Steven Gerrard

Zouma, Coufal and Antonio would not be up to the mark if we wish to become a faster, attacking, quick passing team

still think we need to upgrade central midfield despite the amount of players we have there, we are lacking a creative outlet from deep, alvarez needs someone with an exceptional passing range and vision, a complete midfielder that can still offer something in defence but excels in distribution and dictating play, we need a heart beat in the team if we are playing possession football for the purely 6 role we have alvarez and downes, who is going to partner them? JWP? not convinced!

I Think more than 3 will struggle with a possession based manager. Zouma, Soucek, Coufal, Antonio all struggle with being pressed and have poor first touch.

Zooma is very wooden , he obviously has qualities,but on his last legs/leg ! Soucek…well if we are going to play sexy possession based football or sexier football, that’s not him is it , he’s had some moments along the way , but a limited footballer technically

Zouma, Coufal & Soucek as a minimum.

Without the money from a now dead Paqueta sale, we probably won't have as much money to spend, so curb our expectations for this transfer window.

Do well: Flynn Downes

When he gets his new job, Moyes will hopefully buy soucek for £50m

Bowen goal was Liverpool?

Assuming Ogbonna goes and obviously the Man City loan..... Soucek, Zouma, for sure closely followed by Coufal who always looks like he's trying hard with not much result, .. Ings, havent seen what the fuss is about with Ward Prowse either but I suppose he is too new!!

If Soucek goes then I think his mate Coufal will want to go with him.

Steamboat Willie blast from the past.

I believe JWP scored the header, wasn't it his first? Plus i don't see many ppl suiting his style besides the obvious. Im hoping Earthy Marshall get a chance. But yes Zouma, soucek and and ings

Soucek = Fellaini without a perm. I have a strange notion that JWP may come into his own under JLo. Hope he brings back all the loanees and says "Prove it in a West ham shirt, or you can go and ply your trade elsewhere"

Threse 👀👀

I reckon JWP Zouma & Ings will struggle to get a game & will take up golf, Zoumas golf instructor once said to him "oi Kurt you need to do something about your T-off follow through" Zouma sed, "you mean my swing?" His instructor said "no ya berk you've shat yer trousers."

Souzeck Zouma and Antonio will either leave or stay at home every Sunday

I think Antonio would do better than people think under Lopetegui. If we're going to use a false 9 supported by narrow wingers, the striker doesn't need to be super technical. Antonio is more than capable of dropping deep, holding up the ball for a few seconds, and playing it through to a winger running in behind. Or playing a one-two with a midfielder and running towards goal himself. And even if we buy a new starter, having a fresh Antonio on the bench to bully tired defenders for 20-30 minutes is a great plan B.

Completely different team next season, Coufal, Soucek, Zouma, Ogbonna, Aguerd, Ings, Fabianski, Cornet all gone.

Goooood Morning, Hope He's Promoted Ings to permanent C/F.😂

Do you know if we're obligated to sell Downes to Southampton? I heard we had a 12m agreement if they were promoted, sounds mad! If he hadn't worked out, we probably could have sold him for 8m, but given how important he's been to Southampton, and given the fact they've been promoted and have more money. I'd be asking for 20m now, that's if Lopetegui wasn't interested in using him next season. Agreeing a 12m fee seems a bit stupid to me.

Hurt-Zouma played 39 games for us last season and, despite looking broken, is still our best CB.

Zouma & coufal

Cresswell, Zooma ,

What do you think will happen with Paqueta and when?

Soucek Zouma and coufal for me plus Ings Antonio.. The right back for Man utd I would take?

When zouma passes the ball it bobbles across the surface,he is incapable of playing a slick pass,also he looks like he has 2 broken legs!!!.

ahhhhh zofalchek

whoever soucek goes to will be lucky. he was once valued at 60m

More than three will slip out of first team contention and probably be sold. Soucek, because he is poor in possession, doesn't read the game well, and his overall contribution (look at his stats) is poor. Coufal because he lacks pace to get back when the ball is lost playing a high line, Antonio, because he is past it, all of the defenders who are not good with the ball and can't bring the ball out well and make a good forward pass will thrive. Emerson will do well, and so would Aguerd, if he stays. Ings could do well as a squad player, because his playing style will fit better into a JL team, if he plays his favoured 4-3-3 or even a 4-4-2.