Lopetegui is really suffering from a weak player who’s putting Lopetegui’s job at risk. Is he really testing his patience.
Crysencio Summerville’s debut season at West Ham United has been far from the success story that many anticipated when the club secured his signature in the summer transfer window. After a stellar campaign with Leeds United in the Championship, hopes were high that the Dutch winger could seamlessly transition to the Premier League and inject some flair and dynamism into the Hammers’ attack. However, things haven’t gone according to plan, and Summerville is quickly approaching a critical juncture in his West Ham career.
The 23-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance that hint at his potential, but these moments have been too few and far between. With the Premier League season well underway, his impact remains limited, and he needs to step up significantly if he is to justify the club’s faith in him. The pressure is mounting, especially with the possibility of key attacking players like Lucas Paqueta departing in January. If Summerville is to become a reliable option, he must begin to consistently produce meaningful contributions.
Underwhelming Statistics Reflect Summerville’s Struggles
Summerville’s numbers tell a concerning story about his lack of impact on the pitch. He has made six starts and featured off the bench in nine more league matches, but despite these opportunities, he has managed just two goal contributions. For a player tasked with providing creativity and offensive spark, these returns fall well below expectations.
His dribbling statistics are particularly troubling. According to FotMob, Summerville has successfully completed just seven dribbles this season, with a meager success rate of 36.8%. This places him among the bottom 23.2% of players in his position in the Premier League, a clear indication that he is struggling to impose himself on opposing defenders.
Passing accuracy is another area where Summerville needs significant improvement. He has completed just one long ball all season, with a dismal 16.7% success rate for long-range passes. These numbers highlight his struggles in linking up play and maintaining possession, critical components of West Ham’s attacking strategy under Julen Lopetegui.
Lack of Defensive Contribution Hurting West Ham’s System
Julen Lopetegui’s system relies heavily on pressing high and winning possession in advanced areas, a tactic that requires full commitment from the attacking players. Unfortunately, Summerville has contributed little in this regard. He has managed to win possession in the final third just once this season, showing that he isn’t delivering the defensive work rate needed to fit seamlessly into Lopetegui’s plans.
A Rare Bright Spot: Crossing Ability
One area where Summerville has shown promise is in his crossing ability. He boasts a 56.2% cross accuracy, placing him among the better performers in the league in this regard. However, his inability to consistently beat defenders and get into crossing positions limits how often this strength can be utilized. Unless he improves his dribbling and positional play, this asset will remain underutilized.
Time to Turn Potential into Consistency
There is no questioning Summerville’s raw talent. His performances in the Championship for Leeds demonstrated his capability to change games with skill, pace, and confidence. However, the Premier League is an unforgiving stage, and potential alone won’t be enough to secure his place in West Ham’s starting XI.
If Paqueta or another key attacking figure does leave in January, Summerville could be called upon to fill the void. For that to be a realistic scenario, he must start delivering tangible results – goals, assists, and impactful performances.
The Dutchman’s time at West Ham is at a crossroads. He still has the opportunity to turn things around, but the clock is ticking. A surge in form is not just desirable; it’s essential. If Summerville fails to rise to the challenge, the optimism surrounding his arrival may quickly be replaced by frustration and doubts about his suitability for top-flight football.
