Former West Ham star Tony Gale has delivered a scathing assessment of Jean-Clair Todibo, branding him “lazy and unfit”.
If anyone knows what it takes to be a top defender at West Ham, it is Tony Gale.
Gale made over 300 appearances for the Hammers across 10 years and was part of the Boys of 86 side which could and should have won the club’s first ever top flight league title.
So his opinion about West Ham carries weight – unfortunately for Jean-Clair Todibo.
The Frenchman was arguably the star capture for West Ham as they were hailed for ‘winning the transfer window’ last summer.
Jekyll and Hyde Todibo struggling to convince at West Ham
But what has followed has been a season of frustration for Todibo and the Hammers which means the jury is very much still out on him and his future.
The agreement with Nice was officially an initial loan, but it was a permanent move in all but name as Todibo only needed to make five Premier League starts – and West Ham avoid relegation – for a £32m deal to be triggered.
If the move had been based on finishing five games then Todibo’s future would still have been in the balance.
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Todibo is an imposing, cool and calm customer who is excellent on the ball.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
In some games it’s easy to see why Barcelona signed him up as a younger player for a cool £20m.
But it’s also all too often clear why things didn’t work out for Todibo at the Camp Nou.
Todibo has seen his attitude and fitness questioned this season, especially after a major falling out with Julen Lopetegui
He was reportedly among a group of five players demanding to leave if the Spaniard wasn’t sacked.
Todibo has struggled to make it through 90 minutes, often subbed off in games – as he was yet again in the last home game of the campaign vs Forest and the season finale at Ipswich.
Gale labels Todibo ‘lazy and unfit’ – it’s a major West Ham issue
Persistent injuries have been a problem too.
One look at Hammers News’ West Ham player ratings for Ipswich tells you everything you need to know about Todibo’s debut season.
Todibo, 4/10: Rarely has there been a West Ham player who looks Champions League one minute and Championship the next? Todibo is far too lackadaisical at times and lacks focus. His woeful excuse for a challenge led to Ipswich’s goal. Looked good on the ball in patches. Didn’t last the full 90 minutes yet again. Solving the Todibo enigma will be key to how West Ham do next season.
Hammers News’ West Ham player ratings vs Ipswich
Gale was on co-commentary for the match at Portman Road.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
And he was seriously unimpressed with Todibo’s overall display.
Gale did praise Todibo on a couple of occasions but labelled the defender ‘lazy and unfit’ and it’s a major issue for West Ham.
Here are just a few of the criticisms aimed at Todibo by Gale when watching his performance against Ipswich, in which he was at fault for their goal with a desperately poor challenge.
“He always seems to be breathing hard when I watch him,” Gale said of Todibo on Premier League Productions.
“He doesn’t look too fit for me.”
On another occasion Gale slammed Todibo’s defending, saying he is “not anticipating” the play.
Gale said Todibo was “lazy” in some of his play and criticised him for “ambling” back at times.
“He doesn’t get back when he loses the ball in the middle at times,” Gale said.
Question marks over £32m man Todibo after ‘quick flip’ claim
The former Hammer’s brutal verdict highlights a major issue for Graham Potter as he looks to reshape his squad.
Back in January, majority owner David Sullivan was criticised for saying the Todibo deal has “hurt” West Ham.
Hammers insider Sean Whetstone, who counts co-owner Sullivan as a close contact, recently claimed there are concerns over Todibo’s inability to last 90 minutes.
Whetstone also stated West Ham are looking to perform a ‘quick flip’ sale of Todibo this summer the moment his permanent move from Nice is activated.
Performances like this from Todibo suggest West Ham – who twice turned down the chance to sign Nikola Milenkovic for just £13m – could find a lot better for £32m.
To make matters worse, West Ham’s other big investment Max Kilman – who cost the club £40m – needs a dominant, solid partner to get the best out of his abilities.
So far Todibo is not that player.
If he does stay then West Ham fans and Potter will have to hope a full pre-season can make all the difference.