A new West Ham star has responded to criticism from Jamie Redknapp after the Julen Lopetegui era started with a defeat to Aston Villa.
After all the build up and anticipation that comes with making eight new signings, it’s fair to say West Ham’s start to the season was underwhelming.
When the dust settled on the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, there was much to be positive about for the Hammers given the circumstances.
Villa were always going to be a tough task to start the season.
Not least when you have a new manager, new staff, a new philosophy and so many new players who barely know oneanother.
There was little between the two sides and a draw would have been a fair result.
The biggest surprise of the opening game was arguably the fact Julen Lopetegui’s first team selection included just two of his eight new arrivals.
Max Kilman and Guido Rodriguez made their West Ham bows from the start.
Kilman, whose £40m price tag had raised eyebrows among many, was excellent at the back.
Redknapp not impressed by new West Ham star’s debut
Fellow new boys Jean-Clair Todibo, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug all came on in the second half and impressed too.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka a cert to take Vladimir Coufal’s place in the coming weeks, West Ham have the makings of a good side.
But Argentinian midfield ace Rodriguez did not impress Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.
Redknapp delivered a rather harsh take on Rodriguez’s West Ham debut.
“Rodriguez today, he struggled in the first half,” Redknapp said after the game.
“But again, it’s so early.
“He is going to need a little bit of time because I am sure in the first half he is looking at everything, flashing so quickly around him, his experience of the Premier League.”
Now the new West Ham star has bitten back at Redknapp’s criticism after his debut ‘struggle’.
Rodriguez bites back at Redknapp criticism after debut ‘struggle’
West Ham have published an article praising the 30-year-old’s display in his first Premier League game.
“The Argentina international made his West Ham United debut in Saturday’s Premier League fixture with Aston Villa, just eleven days after completing his move to east London from Spanish side Real Betis,” West Ham said.
“Despite being part of Julen Lopetegui’s squad for less than a fortnight, the defensive midfielder was quickly up to speed, making a number of important tackles and interceptions, and completing 87% of his passes during his 85 minutes on the pitch at London Stadium.”
And Rodriguez himself felt he did well in the match while acknowledging there is better to come from him.
‘I believe I was able to hold my own’
“It was a really good experience,” the World Cup and two-time Copa America winner stated.
“I really liked the atmosphere that the fans created, they gave us a lot of energy during many moments that we needed it and we ask them to trust us that we will continue to work hard to achieve things…
“In the little time I’ve spent training with the team I’ve been trying to get back to 100 per cent physically.
“I believe I was able to hold my own during the match for 80 or so minutes, so I’m happy about that.”
The stats back up West Ham and Rodriguez’s defence of his performance.
Guido Rodriguez’s West Ham debut in numbers:
➜ 2nd in tackles made [3/3]
➜ 2nd in interceptions [1]
➜ 87% effectiveness in accurate passes [39/45]
➜ 57% effectiveness in ground duels [4/7]
➜ Touches [55]
➜ Defensive actions [6]
➜ Recoveries [3]
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