Sometimes, there is a pretty explanation for a sudden upturn in form. See, for instance, how former West Ham United benchwarmer Luis Guilherme has hit his straps at Sporting Lisbon.
While the likes of David James are left wondering if Crysencio Summerville is benefiting from a Lucas Paqueta-less Hammers side – thriving in the freedom and responsibility afforded to him by the Brazilian’s exit – Guilherme’s impressive start to life in Portugal may be a little easier to work out.
Some have suggested that West Ham failed to make the most of Guilherme’s talents. The teenager thrived as a right-sided winger or as a number ten at Palmeiras. Unfortunately, due to the presence of Jarrod Bowen and Paqueta, most of his West Ham United appearances came on the left.
Is Cry the spark to ignite our ‘Great Escape’? 🔦
South American expert Tim Vickery thinks Guilherme simply left Brazil too soon. An 18-year-old with only 30 league appearances under his belt.
But when we at Hammers News asked our readers, the overriding view is that Luis Guilherme is simply a talented forward playing in a much weaker league.
West Ham United fans think Luis Guilherme is better off at Sporting Lisbon
The reputation of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, at least on these shores, has suffered quite a dent in recent times.
While Bruno Fernandes, Luis Diaz and Ruben Dias made a terrific first impression, the same cannot be said of Darwin Nunez or Viktor Gyokeres.
Nunez had his moments for Liverpool. Gyokeres finally made his mark as Tottenham slipped closer to the relegation zone in Sunday’s North London Derby.
But the struggles of these two mega-money strikers, plus that of other Primeira Liga graduates in Nico Gonzalez, Manuel Ugarte and Fabio Vieira, means Guilherme’s lively start can be explained away by the quality of Sporting’s opposition.
“The Portuguese league is on par with the Championship. He’s found his level,” one supporter writes on our Facebook page.
“I don’t know, three managers [Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter and Nuno Espirito Santo] had a good look at him along with the coaching staff and none seemed to think too much of him,” another says. “Maybe he needs an easier league and a bit of sunshine to thrive…”
“There are any number of players that have looked good in Portugal – and other leagues – that haven’t cut it in England. Gyokeres, anyone? I think Guilherme has found his right level currently. He’ll definitely improve as well.”
“He is now playing in a farmers league. People don’t realise how tough the Premier League actually is.”
“Three managers didn’t fancy him. That speaks volumes. Wasted good money on him that could have been used to strengthen other positions. He’s also playing in a league now which is a lot weaker than the Premier League.”
Guilherme earns Rivaldo comparisons but Sporting’s opposition have been far from stellar
What do YOU think is the big reason why Guilherme struggled at West Ham? 🇧🇷 ⚒️
‘Farmer’s league’ may be a little harsh. For every Ugarte there is a Bruno, and Mateus Fernandes played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting lest we forget. But, while Guilherme’s only goal so far came against AVS FC in the Portuguese cup, all the excitement surrounding his latest eye-catching performance came on the back of a 3-0 win at Moreirense.
Record highlighted audacious comparisons with Brazil and Barcelona icon Rivaldo. Sporting coach Rui Borges labelled Guilherme ‘superb’.
It will take a lot more than a few impressive displays against AVS, Moreirense, Arouca and Nacional, though, before the West Ham fans are buying into the idea that they made a mistake letting him go.
“A far easier league,” another Hammers News reader argues.
“Showed nothing when given game time. I’m sure three managers had enough about them to see he wasn’t cutting it. Good luck to him.’
“He should have been loaned immediately once we signed him. Why we kept him on the bench not getting any game time? That was a huge mistake.”
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
