Sport Nation 2Julen Lopetegui may have the perfect opportunity to turn West Ham United’s season around by giving 18-year-old Luis Guilherme a chance to shine. With a recent FA ruling extending Mohammed Kudus’ suspension to five games following his red card incident against Tottenham, Lopetegui finds himself without one of his key players until December. This opens the door for Guilherme, a promising young talent, to step up.
Guilherme, who joined West Ham from Palmeiras for a reported £25 million in the summer, has been largely kept on the sidelines, playing just a few minutes in the Premier League and impressing primarily with the U-21s. Despite his limited experience in English football, his talent has been well-documented, with his performances in Brazil drawing attention before his move to the Premier League. Now, with Kudus sidelined, Lopetegui may have nothing to lose by putting Guilherme in the lineup and giving him a real shot at making an impact.
In the wake of inconsistent performances and a struggling season, Lopetegui has mostly relied on more experienced players like Michail Antonio and Lucas Paquetá. However, these veterans have not brought the stability or dynamism needed to lift West Ham from their struggles, leaving room for younger players like Guilherme to potentially bring a fresh spark to the squad. Crysencio Summerville, another summer signing from Leeds United, has recently made a positive impact, showing that younger players can deliver when given the chance.
With Lopetegui under pressure to improve results, taking a chance on Guilherme could be a strategic move. At just 18, Guilherme’s energy, technical skill, and commitment to the game could offer the Hammers a much-needed boost. Although some may view him as a future project rather than an immediate solution, his success in Brazil and strong performances for West Ham’s U-21s suggest he’s ready to contribute at a higher level. Surrounded by seasoned players, he would have the support needed to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
For West Ham, consistency has been elusive this season, with promising games often followed by disappointing setbacks. The team’s defensive lapses and inability to capitalize on key moments have become frequent issues, highlighting the need for a new approach. Involving young players like Guilherme may provide the energy and fresh perspective required to push past these challenges.
The West Ham faithful and critics alike will be closely watching to see if Lopetegui takes a chance on Guilherme. Bringing him into the first team could not only strengthen the squad but also signal a more forward-thinking approach that prioritizes development and resilience. For Lopetegui, this gamble might just provide the spark needed to turn West Ham’s season around and secure his own standing at the club.
Sport nation
Amina Umar