A West Ham star says he is already blown away by new signing Luis Guilherme after his big move from Brazil this summer.
As seems to be the case with almost every signing West Ham make, there is a difference of opinion among fans.
West Ham declared they were “excited” by the capture of Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.
The Brazil Under 20 international has been tipped as a future star of the Selecao senior side.
Guilherme became the first signing of the post David Moyes era at the London Stadium.
His arrival also signifies a very clear change in transfer policy and strategy with technical director Tim Steidten implementing a Hammers hybrid of the Red Bull model.
Many fans have been excited about the signing of Guilherme given Steidten’s transfer track record.
Cynics have also been out in force, though. And with some justification in many ways.
Because until a few weeks ago, few English supporters and journalists will have heard of the 18-year-old jet-heeled attacker.
Doubts raised over West Ham’s teen talent
Limited first team experience in Brazil means online footage is thin on the ground. But it does show Guilherme to be powerful, rapid and skilful player. Most agree those are the key ingredients needed to thrive in the Premier League.
Concerns have been raised about bringing such a young talent straight into the world’s best league from the undeniably inferior Brazilian football.
English football fans are also somewhat wary when they see young South American players compared to greats with monikers such as the ‘new Ronaldinho’ or ‘new Messi’ rarely holding up under scrutiny.
Guilherme has also been likened to his idol Rivaldo in Brazil. If he’s even half the player then West Ham are on to a very good thing indeed.
It’s also a big move for Guilherme from a human perspective.
To come all this way, to a different climate, culture, language, league and the like is a big ask for seasoned pro let alone a young starlet making his way in the game.
But one West Ham star says he is already blown away by new signing Guilherme after just one week training with the club.
West Ham star blown away by Guilherme after one week
If Guilherme is West Ham’s new raw, bright, young thing then Aaron Cresswell is the club’s tried and trusted old head.
It seems the Hammers have brought in a very stable young man ready to shine on the biggest stage, though, according to Cresswell.
Because Guilherme has already impressed with his attitude and application as Cresswell singles him out for praise.
“We’ve got a couple of new lads here (in Austria pre-season) with us, so it is a great time for them to get settled in with the team, get to know the players and the staff because there are no hiding places as we are with each other day and night for a week.
“It’s a good time to get together but the main thing is working hard and we certainly have been doing that,” Cresswell told West Ham’s website.
‘We’re really happy with the way he’s come in’
“They (the new signings) have settled in really well, and with Wes (Foderingham) and Maximilian (Kilman) being English and speaking the language, it has been slightly easier for them.
“But Luis is a young boy who has come from Brazil, and although his English is not great at the minute, you can see he is willing to try his best to learn the language and communicate.
“He’s come with a positive mindset, looks happy and I’m sure the Brazilian lads Emi (Emerson Palmieri) and Lucas (Paqueta) will look after him. We’re really happy with the way he’s come in and settled.”
Since the Hammers announced Guilherme’s capture, it has been claimed they beat five elite clubs to his his signature.
A Brazilian journalist and Palmeiras expert has also spoken exclusively to Hammers News to reassure fans Guilherme is the real deal.
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