'Happy with his commitment': Julen Lopetegui says one West Ham player 'working hard' despite not starting
Yesterday at 10:27 AM
One of the reasons West Ham United are struggling in the Premier League this season is a lack of goals.
West Ham have scored only 13 goals in 11 league matches so far this campaign. Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are second from bottom, have found the back of the net more than the Hammers.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 10 | TottenhamTottenham | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 16 |
| 11 | BrentfordBrentford | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 16 |
| 12 | B’mouthBournemouth | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| 13 | Man UtdManchester United | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 15 |
| 14 | West HamWest Ham | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 19 | -6 | 12 |
| 15 | LeicesterLeicester | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 21 | -7 | 10 |
| 16 | EvertonEverton | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 10 |
| 17 | IpswichIpswich | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 22 | -10 | 8 |
Jarrod Bowen is West Ham's top scorer this season with three goals in 11 matches. Lucas Paqueta, Tomas Soucek and Mohammed Kudus have scored two goals each.
The Hammers need someone who can find the back of the net on a more regular basis, which is why it is a surprise that manager Julen Lopetegui is not making more use of a readymade out-and-out centre-forward in his squad.
How Danny Ings has impressed West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui
Danny Ings is a proper number 9, but he has not made a single start in the Premier League this season.
In five substitute appearances in the league, Ings has scored one goal and given one assist.
Ings embarked on a training camp in Ibiza before pre-season, but he has still not been able to carve out a place for himself in the Hammers’ starting lineup.
Lopetegui, though, has said that he has been impressed with Ings and has praised the 32-year-old English striker for his commitment to the cause.
When asked about Ings, Lopetegui said: "Danny is one player who is working hard. We are happy with his commitment, and he’s always going to contribute for us."
Ings has been on the books of West Ham since January 2023 and is out of contract at the end of the season.
Danny Ings's days at West Ham are numbered
With no new deal in place, it is highly likely that Ings will leave London Stadium next summer. After all, the 32-year-old is not getting much playing time at West Ham.
If Ings’s situation does not improve in the coming weeks, then it is hard to see him put pen to paper on a new deal. There is no incentive for him to do so.
West Ham are trying to sign striker Yuri Alberto as well, which casts further doubt on the future of Ings, who will be well aware of the club looking at alternative options.
For now, Lopetegui needs to seriously consider using Ings in his starting lineup and enhance West Ham's chances of winning matches.
