Lopetegui Should Give “Old-Fashioned” West Ham Striker His First Premier League Start

West Ham United currently sit 14th in the Premier League table after an inconsistent run of form. Manager Julen Lopetegui has been working to implement his playing style, with the team averaging 47% possession and 15.1 shots per game. However, they are still conceding 16.8 shots per match, the fourth-highest in the league.

The Hammers’ defensive issues stem from a lack of athleticism in midfield and disjointed pressing, allowing opponents to easily play through their initial pressure. While Lopetegui aims to press high with the forward line, there is often a large gap between the midfield/defense and the attackers.

To address their attacking struggles, Lopetegui should consider starting summer signing Niclas Füllkrug against Brighton this weekend. The German striker, who joined from Borussia Dortmund for £27 million, has yet to start a Premier League match due to injury.

Compared to Michail Antonio, Füllkrug offers more physicality and aerial presence in the box. He is also more clinical, with 0.13 goals per shot compared to Antonio’s 0.05. The 31-year-old provides better link-up play and creates more chances for teammates, averaging 0.25 assists per 90 minutes.

While Antonio offers more progressive carries and willingness to run the channels, this can be compensated for by wingers Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus. Starting Füllkrug would give West Ham a focal point up front to bring others into play and provide a greater goal threat against a Brighton side that has shown defensive vulnerabilities.

Unleashing Füllkrug as the central striker could be key to improving West Ham’s attack and helping them climb up the Premier League table. His physical presence and clinical finishing may prove crucial against Brighton’s shaky defense.