Graham Potter needs to get ruthless this summer, with a big rebuild needed at West Ham United.
My one main criticism of Graham Potter since he took over at West Ham is that he seems to be ‘too nice’, if that’s at all possible.
The Hammers head coach is viewed as one of football’s so-called nice guys, and that was the main reason why he failed at Chelsea – their players took liberties with him in the end.
Graham Potter has to stop praising mediocrity from the West Ham players, if he is to take us to the next level.
The 49-year-old and his coaching staff have to create a new culture at the London Stadium – one where second best is not so easily accepted.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
That means that some tough calls will need to be made in the summer transfer window.
Numerous big name players and club stalwarts will have to be moved on in order to usher in a new era of success at West Ham.
Only 5 West Ham players should start for Graham Potter next term
Big change lies ahead for the Hammers.
Potter is said to want to add more youth and dynamism to his West Ham squad this summer.
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I truly believe that only five of the current crop of Hammers players should be regular starters under Potter next term…
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
There is no doubt that Aaron Wan-Bissaka will have a key role to play for the Hammers going forward. The 27-year-old right-back has proven to be our best signing of the summer.
Max Kilman
West Ham signed Max Kilman from Wolves for £40 million in the summer, and he has been a standout performer for us this season, alongside Wan-Bissaka.
Jean-Clair Todibo
The Hammers will activate an obligation to buy clause this summer, and bring Jean-Clair Todibo to the London Stadium on a permanent basis. We are just starting to see the best of him now under Potter.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Crysencio Summerville
It has been a really tough season for Crysencio Summerville – one seriously affected by injuries. However, the 23-year-old will be a key player for Potter going forward, what with his pace, dynamism and energy.
Jarrod Bowen
Hammers ace Jarrod Bowen is the best player we have, there is no debate to be had about that. Captain fantastic is the man we need to lead us on into a new era of success. The 28-year-old is an exceptional player, and I really expect him to go from strength to strength over the next couple of years or so.
Two massive exits on the cards at West Ham
The list of five players above doesn’t mean that the likes of Tomas Soucek, Emerson Palmieri, James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and perhaps even Evan Ferguson as well shouldn’t have a part to play next season.
They could all serve as very useful squad players.
However, West Ham should look to sell Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta (if he’s not banned) and the rest of the deadwood, and look to rebuild from there.
Depending on the outcome of Paqueta’s trial, he and Kudus should be able to fetch well in excess of £100 million.
The likes of Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Danny Ings, Michail Antonio, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Vladimir Coufal and Andy Irving should all be moved on.
Graham Potter has some seriously important tasks on his hands at West Ham.
And we will get a big indication this summer as to whether he’s about to shirk them by being a ‘yes man’ or tackle them head on.