West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez returned to the starting lineup for the 1-0 win over Southampton on Boxing Day.
The Argentinian international has been used sparingly by head coach Julen Lopetegui since the last international break, having last made the first eleven against Everton.
However, Rodriguez was brought back into the fold on Thursday but supporters on X were not particularly impressed by what they saw:
He stinks. Genuinely does nothing.
— Chris Helwig (@chelwig54) December 26, 2024
Can someone tell me the last time we went into a match without someone suspended?
— Woody (@WHUFC_Woody) December 26, 2024
he’s been awful. imo they should send him on a loan somewhere else or even sell him to some club he’s already played for, like maybe river plate
— YO VINE EN BARCO Y BORJA DE LA SELVA (@perfumeuropapi) December 27, 2024
He needs to be shipped
— ALBHammers (@BeselidhjaFc) December 26, 2024
Is Guido Rodriguez worse than Carlos Sanchez?
I genuinely think he might be.
— TheCockneyBoys⚒️ (@cockneyboywhu) December 26, 2024
Rodriguez won’t play against Liverpool
The 30-year-old picked up his fifth yellow card of the season at St Mary’s, meaning he will not be available when the Hammers take on the league leaders.
Based on what some fans on saying, that will come as some relief, although Lopetegui could have very few other options in midfield for the game this weekend.
Suspensions and injuries are taking their toll on West Ham
In addition to Rodriguez, Tomas Soucek will be banned for the Liverpool fixture, while Carlos Soler is also a major doubt after being substituted at half-time against the Saints.
It means that Edson Alvarez, Lucas Paqueta and Andy Irving could be the only midfielders available for the match.
Lopetegui may have to consider moving Mohammed Kudus centrally instead, with Alvarez and Paqueta playing as a makeshift midfield two.
Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
