West Ham United take on Southampton on Boxing Day, and Julen Lopetegui has some big decisions to make for the game.
Julen Lopetegui is under severe pressure at West Ham right now, and he could lose his job if his side fail to beat Southampton.
However, a good result against the Saints and the Hammers board may well be prepared to give the Spaniard more time to prove himself.
If I’m being honest, I am shocked that he is still in charge at the London Stadium.
The football has been utterly turgid this season and the results not much better.
Lopetegui has failed to endear himself to the Hammers fans at all so far.
However, he could change all of that very quickly indeed with one simple selection decision.
Julen Lopetegui must start precocious West Ham talent v Southampton
The Hammers need a win against the Saints – nothing less than that will do.
I think the Southampton clash will be the perfect opportunity for Lopetegui to make a brave call by starting one of the club’s tremendously gifted youngsters.
And Lewis Orford is the man for the job in my eyes.
The decision to start Orford against the Saints may well save Lopetegui his job as well.
Mark Noble recently raved about Orford, describing the teenager as a ‘fantastic’ young player, and he’s bang on the money there.
Not only would the 18-year-old help us actually win the game, but Lopetegui starting him would get the fans back onside immediately.
Lewis Orford is a precociously gifted young talent, and I think he possesses all of the attributes needed to give a real lift to the team.
The teenager has energy in abundance, and his ball-carrying ability is something we desperately need in central midfield right now.
He possesses exceptional technical ability and has a wonderful range of passing in his locker as well.
You know the other thing he’d bring to the mix – a passion for the shirt. There is no connection between the fans, the players and the manager at the moment.
Lewis Orford coming into the team for the Southampton vs West Ham clash would change all of that in an instant.
It’s time for Julen Lopetegui to prove that he has genuine faith in one of West Ham best young players.
Bringing Orford into the team may well be the decision that ends up saving his job. It would be the best Christmas present that we as West Ham fans could ask for as well.
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