Julen Lopetegui should play £38 million star as centre forward against Ipswich Town

During the beginning of the new season, a lot of focus was on how much West Ham's defence has improved after their defensive reinforcements in the transfer window. However, the first few matches in the Premier League have highlighted another surprising issue for the Hammers alongside the defence. While West Ham boast of having one of the best front-three in the Premier League with star forwards such as Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, they have only managed to score six goals in six league matches. 

Moreover, new signing Niclas Fullkrug is recovering from his injury and is yet to start a league match for West Ham. On the other hand, Cryscencio Summerville has been good with his pace and dribbling down the left wing, but hasn't managed to register a goal contribution for the Hammers. Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are experienced forwards, but they don't possess blistering pace and have been struggling for form and fitness since the start of the last season. 

Julen Lopetegui should play £38 million star as centre forward against Ipswich Town

Thus, manager Julen Lopetegui faces a big dilemma regarding the attack, especially the centre forward position. While captain Jarrod Bowen has been decent as a right-winger, Lopetegui still needs to find the best position for Kudus and Lucas Paqueta in the lineup. Recently, former West Ham assistant manager, Kevin Nolan suggested that Paqueta's preferred position is on the left flank, where he thrived alongside Emerson at his former club Lyon. 

Therefore, Mohammed Kudus should be played as the centre forward in Fullkrug's absence. The 24-year-old already started as a striker for Ajax during the 2022/23 season and his quality finishing and impressive pace makes him a good option to play as a centre forward. Also, Kudus hasn't been much involved in the build up play from the left wing and thus, playing in his central playmaker position will help him return to his best form. 

Moreover, the next match is against Ipswich Town, who are a good defensive side and thus, a jet-heeled forward like Kudus can help West Ham to create a lot of chances and find empty spaces around the edge of the box. Now it remains to be seen whether manager Julen Lopetegui makes any changes to the front three for the upcoming home fixture.