Lack of leadership was cited as one of the huge problems Graham Potter’s West Ham side had to deal with last season. In fact, from Lopetegui’s brief tenure, observers had noticed how quiet the training ground was, how few the natural leaders. And of course with the departure of so many senior figures just a few months ago, the leadership quotient slipped further.
Newcomers across the pitch meant very few were confident enough to get vocal and often it was left to the irascible Niclas Fullkrug to blast those who weren’t pulling their weight.
The future appears brighter. Whilst still only 21, new recruit Mateus Fernandes has been elevated to the captaincy of his national u21 side, whilst senior honours are also ‘very close’:
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“I can reveal that I’m one of the captains,” West Hams new midfield addition told the Portuguese Football Federation website. “I have a new responsibility that I’ve accepted with great pleasure.”
Mateus Fernandes, Portugal captais
Mateus Fernandes steps up to leadership
Hammers fans have already had a glimpse of Fernandes’ on-pitch performance during his influential debut against Forest: Growing into a leadership role in the next couple of years will benefit the Hammers hugely in the centre of the pitch. An old head on young shoulders is exactly what is required at London Stadium, and although it is early days, even after one game, Potter and Macaulay’s dogged insistence on getting the deal done with Southampton seems justified.
“Matty” will get his first run out as u21 international captain in Portugal’s fixture against Azerbaijan at home tonight at 7.30. Something to look for if you are lucky enough to find the game on TV.