Jose Fonte is wrong. West Ham need quality in matches, not buzzwords
Jose Fonte is the latest player to go on record saying West Ham need intensity, desire and passion. What they really need is quality.
It’s been a while since I’ve heard a Brendan Rodgers post match interview. They were always like a game of bingo, with regular buzzwords such as character, passion and belief. However it seems that the West Ham players have started playing the same game.
Jose Fonte was on the official club website this week saying the Hammers need ‘intensity, desire and passion’. These aren’t what the Hammers have been lacking for the past season and a half. Sure they have in some of the matches, but what I haven’t seen in a while is much quality. At either end of the pitch.
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Moments of Class
A match isn’t won by hard work alone. Yes hard work makes it easier, but it’s quality that turns draws into wins and losses into draws. That isn’t focused in the attacking sense either, but in the backline and the midfield. Whilst your hardwork may help you get onto the end of a pass, your quality determines whether you will be able to control it and be dangerous with the ball at your feet.
In the opening 6 games the Hammers have produced very few moments of quality going forward. Masuaku’s cross for Kouyate’s header was one, and Antonio has done well. Chicharito’s goals have all been well taken, and he is a perfect example of working smart, not hard for the sake of it.
In defence the team has run around and thrown themselves about, but it has been lapses in quality that have led to the conceded goals. Fonte’s pull for the Southampton penalty. No-one picking up Eriksen at the edge of the box, instead following the ball. These were not results of lack of effort, but no-one being sharp enough.
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If I was picked to play for West Ham I would not stop running. I would be the most passionate man on the pitch, and my intensity would not drop. But I wouldn’t have the quality to do anything in the match. Hard work without quality is pointless, and the Hammers need to find their ability under pressure.