Sport Nation 2West Ham midfielder Andy Irving is poised to become a regular in the Hammers’ starting lineup after impressing during his brief appearance against Chelsea on Saturday, 21st September. The 24-year-old Scotsman, who made his long-awaited debut for West Ham in the 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, has been backed by former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie to earn a starting spot in the upcoming EFL Cup clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
Irving’s journey to the West Ham first team has been far from straightforward. Signed by the club last summer, the young midfielder was immediately sent out on loan to gain more experience. After a season of development, he returned to the London Stadium with hopes of making his mark. Despite the team’s defeat to Chelsea, Irving’s short cameo on the pitch garnered attention for his solid performance, particularly in a game where most of West Ham’s starting players struggled.
McAvennie’s Endorsement for Irving
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie expressed his confidence in Irving’s potential to become a regular starter, especially with the upcoming match against Liverpool on Wednesday, 25th September. “I think he’ll be playing,” McAvennie said. “That’s why he was brought on [against Chelsea]. If you go to Anfield and show you belong in a West Ham team, you’ll be a regular. This is where you go to earn your points.”
McAvennie further emphasized the importance of performing well in high-pressure environments, such as at Anfield, where West Ham will face one of the toughest teams in the Premier League. He noted that a strong performance from Irving could solidify his position in the squad: “If this boy can stand up and be counted in the heat of Anfield, it’ll help big time.”
While McAvennie acknowledged that Irving didn’t have enough time on the pitch against Chelsea to fully showcase his abilities, he was optimistic about the midfielder’s potential: “I thought he did alright when he came on but he just didn’t get enough time. I like to see everyone firing, but he was doing it all himself.”
Impressive Stats Despite Limited Minutes
Although Irving only played 18 minutes against Chelsea, he outshone many of his teammates during his time on the field. In those few minutes, he registered the most touches, most passes, most passes completed, most tackles won, and most shots on target for West Ham. These statistics highlight his ability to make an impact, even with limited opportunities.
Irving’s performance contrasted with the struggles of his fellow midfielders, including Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez, both of whom were unable to impose themselves in the game. For McAvennie, Irving’s contributions were enough to warrant a starting spot in the next match: “For me, he certainly did enough to start. Put him into the centre of midfield, definitely.”
McAvennie even suggested that if necessary, Irving should be given the nod over more established players like Tomas Soucek or Edson Alvarez, depending on their form. “If that means leaving Tomas Soucek or Edson Alvarez out, who cares? We need the best of everyone at Anfield. If they’re not at their best, they’ll get turned over.”
Lopetegui Under Pressure
West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, is under mounting pressure following a difficult start to the Premier League season. The Hammers have lost three of their first five league matches, and the EFL Cup clash against Liverpool presents an opportunity for Lopetegui to relieve some of that pressure. The match will also serve as a potential springboard for players like Irving, who are vying for a more prominent role in the team.
With West Ham struggling for form, particularly in the midfield, McAvennie’s backing of Irving comes at a crucial time. The Spaniard has yet to find the right balance in his squad, and the introduction of younger, fresher players like Irving could offer the spark the team needs to turn their season around.
Irving’s Path to the First Team
Irving’s progression into the West Ham first team is a testament to his hard work and determination. Having spent time on loan, he returned to the club this season with the aim of breaking into the starting lineup. His debut against Chelsea marked a significant milestone in his career, and his performance suggests that he is ready for more responsibility.
While some may view his debut as inconsequential given the defeat, Irving’s ability to make an impact in such a short period of time has not gone unnoticed. His composure, work rate, and vision in midfield have made a strong case for his inclusion in future games.
The upcoming match against Liverpool presents an ideal opportunity for Irving to prove his worth. Anfield is one of the most challenging venues in English football, and a strong performance there could cement his place in the team. For Lopetegui, who is searching for answers after a slow start to the season, giving Irving a chance might be a gamble worth taking.
The Importance of the Liverpool Clash
As West Ham prepares to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup, the stakes are high. Although the Premier League remains the primary focus for the Hammers, a cup run could provide a much-needed morale boost for the team and its supporters. For players like Irving, the match represents a chance to showcase their abilities on a big stage and stake a claim for a regular spot in the starting eleven.
Lopetegui may be inclined to rotate his squad for the cup fixture, especially given the grueling demands of the Premier League. However, Irving’s performance against Chelsea, combined with McAvennie’s backing, suggests that the 24-year-old midfielder has done enough to earn a starting role.
Looking Ahead
As West Ham heads to Anfield for their EFL Cup clash with Liverpool, all eyes will be on Julen Lopetegui and the lineup he selects. For Andy Irving, this could be a defining moment in his West Ham career. A strong performance in such a high-profile match could see him establish himself as a key player for the Hammers moving forward.
Despite the team’s struggles in the Premier League, Irving’s emergence offers a glimmer of hope. His work ethic, tactical awareness, and technical ability make him a valuable asset, and with the backing of former West Ham legend Frank McAvennie, the young Scotsman appears poised for a bright future at the London Stadium.
In conclusion, while Irving’s West Ham debut came in a difficult match against Chelsea, his performance in those few minutes has given fans and pundits alike reason to be optimistic. As West Ham prepares for a challenging fixture against Liverpool, Irving’s potential inclusion in the starting lineup could be a key factor in the team’s quest for success in the EFL Cup and beyond.
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