For the first time in ages I have to admit a kind of guilty pleasure in watching – from across the room – that England performance last night. Without the big egos, big reputations. And it serves as a blueprint for success at our own West Ham for whoever is brave enough to follow the same principle.
As Gonzo’s article explained, the ‘Hollywood’ egos were left behind either through real or claimed injury: No trying to squash Phil Foden, Bukayo Sako, Harry Kane and Cole Palmer along with Antony Gordon and Ollie Watkins into the same side. Players weren’t selected on reputation alone: Players were selected to play in their best positions. Who’d have thought it. there was a lively, fearless exuberance that actually made it watchable.
Follow that through and apply it to West Ham United.
Lucas Paquetá benched: Mohammed Kudus picked only if his attitude merits it: Edson Alvarez left out as a red card liability. Slow and steady Rodriguez and Soler -maybe – replaced? Young, keen, hard working and enthusiastic TEAM players already at the club getting opportunities: George Earthy, Freddie Potts, Luis Guilherme, Lewis Orford and Ollie Scarles don’t have the egos but have the attitude to become team players instead of liabilities for West Ham in the very near future. And how about Andy Irving? Somebody saw something in him.
Factor in the opportunity being taken by Crysencio Summerville to grasp the opportunity offered by Mohammed Kudus’ suspension and suddenly there’s an alternative narrative for next season, based on youth, pace, ability and the right attitude instead of seemingly the highest-paid being picked solely on their reputation, not what they actually produce over 90 minutes.
