Versatility is clearly something Graham Potter – whose West Ham United side host bitter Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening – were looking for in the transfer window when signing Igor Julio and co.
As Vasco Seabra, his former coach at Portuguese outfit Estoril, explained, Mateus Fernandes is capable of thriving across a variety of midfield roles.
The £40 million signing from Southampton made his West Ham United bow on the left-hand side of a re-jigged 4-2-3-1 formation last time out at Nottingham Forest. Graham Potter expects Fernandes to form a fine understanding with El Hadji Malick Diouf, given time.
Speaking of Diouf, while the Senegalese flyer began life with the Hammers as a wing-back, his best performance so far came as a traditional left-back in a four-man defence during that 3-0 City Ground trouncing.
Fellow full-back Kyle Walker-Peters is equally comfortable on either flank. And while £14 million Frenchman Soungoutou Magassa prefers to play as a ‘number six’, he has also spent time as a centre-half in his young career.
Now, during his pre-Spurs press conference on Thursday lunchtime, Potter indicated that the deadline day signing of Igor Julio was also made with his ability to cover multiple positions in mind.
Graham Potter shares West Ham United’s plan for Brighton loanee Igor Julio
In the final few hours of the window, West Ham inadvertently wrecked Liverpool’s Marc Guehi hopes.
Igor Julio was supposed to join Crystal Palace as Guehi’s replacement but instead ended up a few miles east at the London Stadium.
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The Brighton loanee brings ‘a lot of quality’ in possession to Potter’s team with his trusty left-foot and his positive, line-breaking passes. And while Igor Julio made the majority of his 50 Brighton appearances at centre-half, Potter is confident that the Brazilian can also provide cover for Malick Diouf at left-back.
“As you can imagine with the window, you have to be on your toes,” Potter explains, West Ham jumping at the chance to nab Igor on deadline day after selling Nayef Aguerd to Marseille.
“The opportunity for Nayef to leave was good for him and us. A possibility opened up for Igor. He’s trained really well, fitted into the group really well. He is a positive character, so we are happy [with the signing].
“We’ve got good competition there now. Igor can cover centre-back and full-back. I’m happy with that position, happy that the window has finished and we are where we are.”
While Graham Potter suggested that Callum Wilson could make his full West Ham debut in place of injury-doubt Niclas Fullkrug, both Igor and Magassa are likely to be in the matchday squad for the first time, if not the starting XI.
And though it may feel like a risk throwing in a new centre-half up against Tottenham’s dangerous frontline, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler highlighted Igor Julio’s ‘special’ ability to step in at short notice and settle into the flow of things right from the off.
This week, a spokesman for the board told Hammers News that Igor could stay at the London Stadium full-time should he impress during his temporary stay.
Potter explains Lukasz Fabianski return as Hammers prepare for Tottenham Hotspur clash
The more familiar face of Lukasz Fabianski may also be part of Potter’s party this weekend.
Potter welcomed veteran goalkeeper Fabianski back some 24 hours ago. The 40-year-old signs a short-term deal until the end of the season, and will provide experienced back-up and mentorship for new number one Mads Hermansen.
Fabianski’s return came about after Wes Foderingham moved to Cyprus with Aris Limassol.
“When the opportunity for Wes came up, it was the right thing for him and us from a footballing perspective,” Potter reveals. “Then, you look at someone who can support the goalkeepers, and when we know Lukasz like we do, he was an obvious choice for us.
“He brings a lot of character and personality. He’s an incredible professional, so we are really pleased.”