Rodriguez Signed

[Alan]

"West Ham United sign Argentinian World Cup winner Guido Rodr??guez West Ham United is delighted to confirm the signing of Argentina international, FIFA World Cup and two-time Copa Am?©rica winner Guido Rodr??guez. Defensive midfielder Rodr??guez arrives at London Stadium on a free transfer, having departed Spanish club Real Betis, where he had spent four-and-a-half seasons, at the expiry of his contract in June. Capped 30 times by his country, Rodr??guez started with Argentinian giants River Plate before winning Mexican league and cup titles playing alongside Edson ?Ålvarez at Club Am?©rica, and the Spanish Copa del Rey with Manuel Pellegrini‚Äôs Betis in 2022. A strong tackler with outstanding positional sense and accurate passing ability, Rodr??guez is relishing the opportunity to show off his talents in the Claret and Blue of West Ham. ‚ÄúI‚Äôm very happy to be here,‚Äù smiled Rodr??guez, who won the Copa Am?©rica in 2021 and 2024, either side of lifting the Finalissima and World Cup trophies in 2022. ‚ÄúI feel like it‚Äôs every footballer‚Äôs dream to play in the Premier League, and I was very excited when I heard that West Ham were interested in me. ‚ÄúIt‚Äôs a historic Club, that has a really interesting project. I think it‚Äôs the right Club for me, at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing. I spoke to Edson [?Ålvarez] before signing, and we‚Äôre both really looking forward to working together again. ‚ÄúI will help the team in any way I can. I will bring experience to the team, and though I‚Äôm aware the Premier League is very physical, I‚Äôm ready to put the work in to make sure I‚Äôm up to the task."

[paul6565]

"Fabulous signing, already showing signs that he is going to be great for us, good pairing alongside Alvarez with Paqueta in front of them."

[LeroysBoots]

"Terry Gibson, ex Spurs and Spanish football expert, really rates Rodriguez. Expects him to be a starter for us this season Apparently was all lined up for Barcelona but Xavi leaving put and end to that Looking forward to seeing him play"

[SUM A DING WONG]

"Remember also, we might not be able to sell one of JWP or Soucek this season. That being the case, I’d imagine Earthy and/or Potts, will be sent out on loan.."

[SUM A DING WONG]

"Ludo21, If Paqueta, Alvarez or Rodriguez get injured/suspended - Earthy and Potts will not be ready to start. JWP and Soucek, would be the next options to start. Now, as I say, if Soucek was to be sold, that will move Earthy and Potts up the pecking order to be able to come on for 15 mins here or there and possibly start in the early rounds of the cup. It would be too much of a risk to get rid of JWP and Soucek at the same time, this season. Next season, that may well be a different story."

[ludo21]

That's my point Sum... if both are around it does make it more unlikely that Earthy will get a look in. Personally I'd far rather see Earthy (and Potts) given the opportunity from the bench as it is the only way they are going to gain experience and improve.

[SUM A DING WONG]

"Just to add AGAIN, sorry. Antonio, Guilherme, and Marshall play in different positions to JWP and Soucek, so it wouldn’t affect them."

[SUM A DING WONG]

"Also, I think it’s highly unlikely, Potts or Earthy will play much, other than here and there. Of course, it would great if they come in and play so well, that they end up starting every week - fucking brilliant. I just think next season will be just too soon for them."

[SUM A DING WONG]

"Ludo21, Hence the reason I wrote this. “Ideally, Soucek is moved on for half decent money, and JWP is only plan B or C.“ I imagine the line up will be Alvarez & Rodriguez sitting deep, with Paqueta pushed further forward. Or, if you want to be a bit more adventurous, either Alvarez/ or Rodriguez sitting deeper with Paqueta with Kudus pushed forward in the attacking midfield spot."

[ludo21]

"Sum - 'should allow them (JWP & Soucek) individually to be able to play to their strengths (with Alvarez & Rodriguez sitting deep).' I have nothing against squad depth and you never know when injuries will hit but taking your statement above at face value, there is no way we are going to play JWP and Soucek in front of Alvarez and Rodriguez, we have far better options on the bench. Soucek as something completely different makes some sense but I can't see him being happy with 10 mins here and there. Also anything that restricts Earthy's opportunities would be a bad move... In addition to JWP and Soucek we will have Antonio, Earthy, Guilherme, Marshall, Potts and likely one of Summerville / Paqueta on the bench... I can't see either getting much game time and the money they would bring in can be better spent elsewhere IMO. I"

[SUM A DING WONG]

"Having Alvarez & Rodriguez, should now mean less playing time for JWP & Soucek (especially as a midfield pairing). But, in theory, it should allow them (JWP & Soucek) individually to be able to play to their strengths (with Alvarez & Rodriguez sitting deep). For Soucek he can be pushed forward, with the full backs pushing up on the outside,putting balls into the box for him to get on the end of. Or, he can arrive late and score from the edge of the box (I imagine Fullkrug would be good at supplying knock downs, for Soucek to capitalise on). Soucek shouldn’t have to get involved with the general play - he just has press further up the pitch - win, win. For JWP, again, you play him pressing further up the pitch, so he’s not having to protect the back 4. Unlike Soucek, he can just keep it neat and tidy giving the ball to the forwards, with the added bonus of him being on the pitch to put the ball on the head of ‘Zee German & Co’ from set pieces. Ideally, Soucek is moved on for half decent money, and JWP is only plan B or C. But at least for now, if and when needed, we can play to their strengths, rather than exposing their weaknesses."

[twoleftfeet]

COYI and Solidbond = village idiots

[Ron Eff]

"The only criticism you could throw at Alvarez was his rashness in tackles. Other than that, he was nothing like dire. Ridiculous comment. Also, what’s the obsession with signing someone meaning we should now sell another, i.e, Soucek. We need a squad. I don’t want Soucek starting but I like the option to throw him on at 1-0 down as a plan B."

[Nagel]

There was a big difference last season whenever Alvarez didn't play. We only won 2 of the 10 league games he didn't start and we went out of the FA cup and Europa League through games he didn't play in.

[Fauxstralian]

I know its an unfair compariosn but recall the Burnley home match where K Phillips stunk out the first half Transformation when Alvarez came on. He can step out with the ball and push the team on. I think there will be an enormous difference when he and the defence arent under constant pressure as the opponents flood past Soucek and JWP

[Manuel]

"DM's are a strange breed as it often appears they're not doing much, and maybe in some cases they're not. To be fair, Alvarez was getting a bit of stick from certain quarters last season, I like his attitude but I doubt he could pick out a smart pass if his life depended on it, he's not above criticism. Kante has been by the far the best DM in recent times, what sets him apart is that he can carry the ball forward and pick out passes longer than 10 yards, they are allowed to go past the halfway line believe it or not."

[Joe C]

"Alvarez was dire last season? Good grief, the nonsense some people come out with on here"

[solidbond]

"Good signing in a position that needed strengthening , Soucek,JWP, Alvarez and Phillips were dire last season."

[Sydney_Iron]

Welcome Guido Son! Expect him and Edson will be topping the Yellow stats this season? Get stuck in and knock em out.

[BillyJenningsBoots]

Balto Cant you read... his contract expired so he was a free agent no direct business with Betis....

[kylay]

"Hopefully this means we offload Soucek. I really like Alvarez and Rodriguez in a 4-2-3-1. Assuming we can get a competent deputy along side Kilman, that will be a very sturdy spine."

[Iron Duke]

"How many world cup winners have played for us? Apart from the obvious three, Jimmy Greaves and Bernard Lama, although they never played in the final. Any others?"

[Iron Duke]

"How many world cup winners have played for us? Apart from the obvious three, Jimmy Greaves and Bernard Lama, although they never played in the final. Any others?"

[Matthew Holmes]

Welcome Guido son irons!

[Far Cough]

"Balto, apparently Pablo put in a good word to Rodriguez, saying that West Ham was good club with good people."

[Balto]

"That's the second piece of business with Real Betis this year. Pablo Fornals went in the other direction. Either their manager, Manuel Pelligrini still has a fondness for us or he is pulling our pants down. Time will tell."