Carlos Soler moved to West Ham United from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day, but Julen Lopetegui must be patient with him.
West Ham midfielder Carlos Soler will undoubtedly become a big fan favourite at the London Stadium over the next few years, if we sign him permanently next summer of course!
After a long drawn out transfer saga, Carlos Soler travelled to East London on transfer deadline day before officially joining West Ham on loan.
With Soler’s technical ability and fantastic vision, Julen Lopetegui now has genuine competition and cover for Lucas Paqueta.
The signing of the Spanish midfielder will end up looking like a brilliant one for the Hammers, I have absolutely no doubts about that.
However, Lopetegui needs to be really careful with how he brings Soler into the team.
Lopetegui must make Carlos Soler decision for Fulham v West Ham
The Hammers head to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham on Saturday, and Lopetegui has a couple of big decisions to make.
One of them centres around whether or not he should give his newest summer signing Carlos Soler a start against Fulham.
I think Lopetegui needs to make what would perhaps be an unpopular decision and leave the Spain international on the bench.
Firstly, the 27-year-old hasn’t played a competitive game this season, so he’ll be nowhere near match fit.
Soler needs to learn and understand the intensity of Premier League football from the sidelines first, before he’s ready to experience it first hand.
The former Valencia and PSG midfielder needs to be given a lot of time and patience by the fans and Lopetegui of course.
I have no doubts that we will see the best of him, but not straight away.
Fulham not the game for first Soler start
Secondly, Fulham deploy an incredibly high energy playing style, especially in the middle of the park with their dynamism, power and athleticism.
Andreas Pereira, Sasa Lukic and Emile Smith-Rowe all press high up the pitch and are always on the front foot.
As good as Soler is, physicality certainly isn’t one of his strengths, and I think our midfield could get over-run if he starts.
I’m just not sure this is a game that the Spaniard should be walking into straight away. Lopetegui should set up with two holding midfielders in the form of Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez, and ease Soler into action slowly.
Remember, the point in having a big squad is to select varying lineups to suit the challenges faced from different opponents.
I love Carlos Soler, and I think he’ll be a star for West Ham, but Julen Lopetegui has to be careful regarding the way that he integrates him into the team.
Fulham away is not the game for the Spaniard to get his first start for the Hammers in my opinion.
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