West Ham player says he was shocked when Julen Lopetegui asked him to play in new position

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Julen Lopetegui has already made sweeping changes at West Ham United over the past six weeks or so.

West Ham appointed Julen Lopetegui to replace David Moyes earlier this summer, and the Spaniard has made an explosive start to the summer transfer window.

Six new signings have already been made, and the addition of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice is apparently next up.

The Hammers have actually been quite poor during our pre-season games so far, winning one, drawing one and losing two.

That said, there have been signs of what Lopetegui is trying to implement, what with his high-press, high intensity playing style.

The simple fact of the matter is that he has to be given time by the West Ham fans. His ideas and footballing philosophy require patience and big change will not happen overnight.

I’m fully on board with what the former Sevilla boss is doing at the club right now.

One thing I do love about Lopetegui is his willingness to give a chance to every single player at the London Stadium.

And one of those has already been tasked with playing in a completely new position.

West Ham player shocked by Julen Lopetegui request

The Spaniard is clearly very keen to have some real tactical flexibility this season.

However, in order to achieve that, he needs numerous players who are comfortable playing in various different positions.

Versatility is the key to success at the highest level these days – just look at teams like Manchester City who have many players who are capable of executing completely different roles.

Gideon Kodua is one player who Lopetegui has clearly identified as someone who can do just that.

The 19-year-old is very highly rated indeed at the London Stadium, but we’ve seen a completely new side to him during pre-season.

The teenager sat down with WHUFC.com to speak about being deployed at right-back.

Kodua said, “On the first day, it was probably a bit of a shock, but I think I have adapted and kind of shown myself in a new position,” he continued. “It has been tough, especially in the Wolves game when I found it a bit difficult in some situations, but I kept my head up and went again against Palace and did better with the situations I’ve got. It’s a weird one, playing in a new position, but I think I’ve done well.

“It’s about showing I’m versatile and it’s been a good challenge, really.”

Kudos to Kodua – he’s clearly willing to learn a new position and to give his all in order to impress Lopetegui.

It’s never easy for an attacking player to switch positions back into a defensive role, but in fairness to Kodua, he has passed the test with flying colours – the Wolves game aside.

West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui is clearly not afraid to try new things at the London Stadium.

It will be really interesting to witness Kodua’s development in his new position this season. Whether he remains with the Hammers or gets loaned out remains to be seen though.