Kevin Nolan baffled by Edson Alvarez situation and lays it on line to £26m new West Ham star. Former Hammers assistant boss Kevin Nolan has spoken out on the situations surrounding two West Ham stars ahead of the Man United clash.
By his own admission Kevin Nolan is not the biggest fan of Julen Lopetegui from personal experience. Nolan recently revealed he was snubbed by Lopetegui after offering to stay on the West Ham staff in the summer.
The former Hammers captain turned coach has also been critical of Lopetegui lately. Nolan questioned West Ham’s decision to make Jarrod Bowen captain.
And he thinks Mohammed Kudus’ uncharacteristic behaviour was a sign he is frustrated under Lopetegui. Two other players who have left pundits, journalists and fans scratching their heads since the manager’s arrival are Edson Alvarez and Crysencio Summerville.
Alvarez established himself as a fundamental player when he arrived last season. Nolan baffled by Alvarez situation at West Ham
Nolan worked closely with the Mexican midfielder, whose form dipped in the second half of the campaign.
So much so Alvarez actually lost his place under David Moyes before he departed. Under Lopetegui it was expected Alvarez would be a key player.
But the Spaniard pushed to bring in Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler. And he has had Alvarez on the bench since his sending off at Liverpool in the cup.
The former Ajax star has cut a frustrated figure, angrily shaking his head at the manager when substituted in a cup win over Bournemouth. There has been talk Alvarez will be recalled to West Ham’s starting XI for the game against Man United after the shocking collapse against Spurs.
Another player expected to get his big chance is Summerville. Ex Hammers assistant lays it on line to Summerville. West Ham fans have been banging the drum for Summerville to be starting matches.
But the exciting Dutchman has been restricted to cameos off the bench so far. With Kudus banned for at least three – and as many as six – games, many believe Summerville is about to get his time to shine.
West Ham’s former assistant boss has been discussing both players on talkSPORT. Nolan is baffled by the Alvarez situation and has laid it on the line to £26m new West Ham star Summerville.
“They have got to find the best three in midfield,” Nolan said. “(Against Spurs) it was quite open from back to front. Edi (Alvarez) does give you that sort of one way he can hold the ball for you, he can dictate play also and he fills it really well.
“So whether he partners with Rodriquez or whether he partners with what we would had done last year with (Tomas) Soucek (he’s got to play), so yeah, decisions have got to be made.”
‘Summerville has got to step up’ says Nolan
While many have called for Summerville to be given a chance, Nolan says it’s now up to him to take it, starting against Man United. “Summerville coming in, he has got to prove now why fans want to see him, why they want to see him playing for West Ham,” Nolan said.
“But when you just mentioned the front three they have got, it’s tough to get in. “So this is his opportunity now. He has got to step up.”
Summerville was one of the first names on the teamsheet at Leeds. He was named the best player in the Championship and he was one of the club’s better players when they were last in the Premier League too.
Hammers fans have wanted to see Bowen up front so that Summerville can play on the left and Kudus on the right. Now it remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old gets the big chance he craves.
When he started the season on the bench, Summerville put a cryptic post on social media.
Love this attitude… ⚒️⏳️ pic.twitter.com/ZwkWAZSgDt
— Damien Lucas (@damienlucas) August 25, 2024
View Tweet
He said: “If God is making you wait, then be prepared to receive more than you asked for. God’s plan.”
Summerville has certainly be made to wait. Now let’s hope this is true for him and West Ham.
