Sport nationLopetegui’s Decision to Sell Flynn Downes May Haunt West Ham
The start to the 2024/25 campaign has been underwhelming, to say the least, for West Ham United, with the club failing to have the immediate success desired after an ambitious transfer window. Over £100m was spent on new signings to provide new boss Julen Lopetegui with all the ammunition needed to be a success during his debut campaign as the Hammers boss. However, the Spaniard has endured a difficult start to life at the London Stadium, winning just two of his opening eight outings – with his only Premier League win coming over Crystal Palace back in August.
Pressure is already mounting on the 58-year-old given his below-par start to life in the capital, with this weekend’s fixture against Ipswich Town a pivotal outing if he is to be a success with the Hammers. Whilst Lopetegui is yet to pull up any trees as West Ham boss, multiple of his new additions have also failed to impress, including one player who arrived at the London Stadium with high expectations.
Guido Rodriguez, the midfielder signed on a free transfer from Spanish side Real Betis, joined West Ham with real pedigree after his consistent displays in LaLiga, which saw him rack up 173 appearances for Los Verdiblancos. However, his start to life with the Hammers hasn’t been plain sailing, often failing to impress despite starting all six league matches since his summer transfer. His most embarrassing moment undoubtedly came in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, with the Argentinian star hooked after just 38 minutes by Lopetegui, subsequently being replaced by Tomas Soucek.
Rodriguez still has time to turn around his below-par start to life in England, but given the club’s current poor form since Lopetegui’s arrival, he may find himself in and out of the team as the Spaniard looks to find a settled starting eleven. The experienced boss may regret sanctioning the sale of one player who has starred away from the London Stadium after securing a permanent move during the summer transfer window.
Flynn Downes, the boyhood West Ham fan, spent one season in the club’s first team before a loan spell at Southampton last season, in an attempt to gain more regular game time. After helping the Saints secure an immediate return to the top flight, he departed the Hammers in an £18m deal, ending his stay in the capital without an appearance under the new boss. However, it may be a decision that Lopetegui could regret given his form for Russell Martin’s side, which has seen him outperform new signing Rodriguez in numerous key areas for a midfielder.
According to statistics, Downes has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this season, with more of his attempts being progressive compared to the Argentinian. A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area. Downes has also started defensively, winning more tackles and completing more interceptions per 90, potentially showing Lopetegui what he’s missing by offloading the 25-year-old.
Downes’ box-to-box profile and defensive contributions are areas where West Ham have struggled, and his absence may be felt. The “monstrous” talent, as described by current boss Martin, has been impressive for Southampton, and his desire to succeed for his boyhood club could’ve proved to be the difference for the club during their current slump in form at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
Lopetegui’s decision to sell Downes has raised questions about his ability to identify talent and make informed decisions. The Spaniard must now find a way to address the team’s shortcomings and turn their season around. With pressure mounting, Lopetegui’s next moves will be crucial in determining his future at West Ham.
The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining Lopetegui’s fate, starting with the match against Ipswich Town on October 5. A win is essential to alleviate some of the pressure, but a loss or draw could further exacerbate the situation. The match against Ipswich Town will be followed by more challenging fixtures, and Lopetegui must find a way to inspire his team and get the results needed to keep his job.
In conclusion, Lopetegui’s decision to sell Flynn Downes may prove to be a turning point in West Ham’s season. The Spaniard’s ability to rectify the situation will be closely watched, and the upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining his future at the club. Downes’ impressive form for Southampton has only added to the pressure on Lopetegui, and the West Ham boss must now find a way to address the team’s shortcomings and turn their season around.
The statistics comparing Downes and Rodriguez paint a clear picture of what West Ham is missing.
Sport nation
