Sport nationJulen Lopetegui Needs to Bench Michail Antonio
West Ham United’s recent performances have been underwhelming, and manager Julen Lopetegui must make changes to revitalize the team. One crucial decision is benching Michail Antonio, who has failed to impress this season. Antonio’s statistics are concerning, and his physical presence is waning.
At 34, Antonio’s age is catching up with him, and his salary (£85k per week) is out of proportion with his contributions. Comparatively, new signings Carlos Soler (£80k per week) and Jean-Clair Todibo (£20k per week) offer more potential. Soler, hailed as the “complete midfielder,” and Todibo, a brilliant ball-playing defender, deserve more playing time.
Their skills could revitalize West Ham’s midfield and defense, which have been lacking inspiration. Soler’s creative flair is much needed, and Todibo’s ability to unlock the team’s potential could be fundamental. Despite being restricted to two substitute appearances, Soler’s potential is evident.
Todibo, on the other hand, started in the Carabao Cup second round against Bournemouth but was hooked at half-time after flattering to deceive. However, his underlying numbers suggest he could be a valuable asset. According to FBref, Todibo ranks among the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted.
The Frenchman also excels in shot-creating actions, progressive passes, progressive carries, successful take-ons, and tackles per 90. These statistics demonstrate his potential to improve West Ham’s defense and contribute to the team’s overall success.
In contrast, Antonio’s performance has been disappointing. Aside from the fact that he hasn’t posted one single goal contribution, Antonio’s underlying numbers also leave plenty to be desired. He offers little as the focal star in Lopetegui’s system.
Antonio’s Premier League performance analysis reveals a decline in various metrics:
- Touches per game: 23.6 (2023/24) to 18.8 (2024/25)
- Shots (on target) per game: 1.2 (0.5) to 1.4 (0.2)
- Pass completion: 65% (2023/24) to 64% (2024/25)
- Key passes per game: 0.3 to 0.0
- Ball recoveries per game: 2.1 to 1.2
- Dribbles completed per game: 1.1 to 0.4
- Tackles + interceptions per game: 0.8 to 0.0
- Total duels won per game: 4.0 to 1.2
These statistics demonstrate Antonio’s regression and justify Lopetegui’s decision to drop him from the starting lineup.
West Ham’s failure to sign Jhon Duran, who has excelled at Aston Villa, highlights the team’s need for a younger, more dynamic center-forward. Duran’s mercurial talent and stunning start to the season underscore what West Ham is missing.
By benching Antonio, Lopetegui can inject fresh energy into the team, improve creativity and goal-scoring potential, and optimize West Ham’s wage bill. The decision to axe Antonio would be a step toward revitalizing West Ham’s season.
Lopetegui’s system requires a more mobile and creative striker, and Antonio no longer fits the bill. With Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen available, Lopetegui has alternatives to explore.
The coming games will be crucial in assessing Lopetegui’s ability to adapt and improve West Ham’s performance. Bench-ing Antonio would demonstrate the manager’s willingness to make tough decisions and prioritize the team’s success.
As the season unfolds, West Ham’s fans will watch with interest, hoping that Lopetegui’s decisions will yield positive results. The team’s potential for growth and improvement is evident, but it requires bold decisions and a willingness to experiment.
In conclusion, Julen Lopetegui’s decision to bench Michail Antonio is long overdue. Antonio’s decline and hefty salary justify his demotion from the starting lineup. By giving Soler and Todibo more playing time and exploring alternative striking options, Lopetegui can revitalize West Ham’s season and lead the team to greater success.
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