Luis Guilherme slammed for West Ham v Wolves: ‘Can see why coaches don’t fancy him’
Luis Guilherme was criticised for his performance in West Ham’s 1-0 defeat against Wolves before being dragged off at half-time.
The 18-year-old became the first signing under former boss Julen Lopetegui when he arrived from Palmeiras for £25.5 million on a five-year contract [BBC Sport].
Prior to making his first start at Molineux Guilherme had only mustered seven Premier League appearances, all as a substitute, totalling just 57 minutes on the field.
But the Brazilian struggled throughout as West Ham failed to score and mustered just one shot on target across the entire game.
Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison, was thoroughly unimpressed as he watched the Hammers trail to a Jorgen Strand Larsen goal, claiming it was no surprise Graham Potter and his coaching staff are yet to be convinced by the winger, just as Lopetegui and his never were.
Luis Guilherme struggled to make an impact versus Wolves
Morrison said live on Sky Sports Soccer Special with score at 1-0 to Wolves (1 April, 8.23pm) that Potter’s men were heavily-reliant on their talisman at captain: “I just think it’s all about Jarrod Bowen. Guilherme who’s come in, poor, non-existent.
“He hasn’t played many games and you can see why coaches don’t fancy him.”
| Appearances | Minutes |
| Ipswich, Premier League – 5 October | 4′ |
| Everton, Premier League – 9 November | 7′ |
| Liverpool, Premier League – 29 December | 9′ |
| Man City, Premier League – 4 January | 18′ |
| Crystal Palace, Premier League – 18 January | 7′ |
| Chelsea, Premier League – 3 February | 3′ |
| Brentford, Premier League – 15 February | 2′ |
| Wolves, Premier League – 1 April | 45′ |
| Aston Villa, FA Cup – 1 October | 5′ |
Guilherme signifies failure of Lopetegui-Tim Steidten reign
Football Insider verdict
At this moment, Guilherme embodies the failed overhaul by Lopetegui with the youngster yet to complete a full 90 minutes for his new club.
Considering the fee was around £25 million mark, many fans expected more of an impact in his debut season at West Ham.
However, it was clear to see why he was substituted at half-time against Wolves, as Guilherme failed to bring the same ball carrying prowess as Mohammed Kudus in that position.
We are yet to see the speed and flair which attracted West Ham to sign him from Palmeiras, however with just 102 minutes under his belt this campaign, it would be unfair to write him off.
The aim for Potter will be to build his confidence slowly with the view to integrate Guilherme into the first-team squad more regularly next season.