ThewolfWest Ham fans have had to be patient to get a proper look at star summer capture Jean-Clair Todibo but it was certainly worth the wait.
When Tim Steidten beat Juventus to the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo, West Ham fans were giddy.
Juve were not the only European giants who wanted the ex Barca man either.
Todibo would be at Man United right now if it were not for UEFA’s strict multi-club ownership rules.
INEOS’ involvement at Nice and Manchester United meant the Red Devils were blocked from signing him in the summer.
My how they could do with him.
West Ham fans were left bemused by Julen Lopetegui’s decision to drip-feed Todibo into the Premier League.
While other managers throw their new signings straight into the mix so they can get up to speed with the pace of the English game, Lopetegui has taken a leaf out of the Moyes playbook with the Frenchman and other summer arrivals.
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Ladies and gentlemen Todibo has arrived
If the 24-year-old’s performance against Ipswich is the reward for that patience then it was well worth the wait.
Because ladies and gentlemen Todibo has arrived and West Ham have a superstar.
Some West Ham fans may have been wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to Todibo based on some rusty early cameos.
Todibo is a black belt in Judo and Liam Delap found that out pretty quickly at the London Stadium as he and Max Kilman laid the foundation for a much-needed convincing 4-1 West Ham win.
Todibo’s reading of the game, strength, composure in possession and passing was top drawer.
He made some wonderfully timed interceptions that had shades of Rio Ferdinand when he was establishing himself as one of the top young defenders in Europe.
Kilman was just as good – but has been pretty much since arriving from Wolves.
West Ham dominated the match and much of that was down to finally having a more solid base thanks to Todibo.
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West Ham have a superstar as Frenchman steals the show
Todibo was given a 7.2/10 rating for his performance by WhoScored.
He had a pass success rate of 95 per cent, 72 touches, two tackles, won several aerial duels and helped build the play from the back for the Hammers.
His performance went beyond stats, though. This was a display which made a statement that Todibo can make a name for himself among the Premier League’s elite defenders. He has absolutely everything.
West Ham have been sorely lacking leaders so far this season.
Todibo stepped up with real personality and character to lead by example.
Some will argue ‘it’s only Ipswich’. But heading into the game everyone was saying how well the Tractor Boys have been doing after holding Villa to a 2-2 draw last weekend.
Delap has been a handful for Premier League defences so far.
He did get himself on the scoresheet after some sloppy all-round play.
But after that Todibo completely dominated him in every way.
Todibo and Kilman lay foundation for bright Hammers future
The partnership between him and Kilman looks very exciting indeed.
Todibo is now just three Premier League starts away from triggering West Ham’s £30m obligation to buy.
On this evidence that looks like a bargain.
French honours will be in the pipeline if he continues along these lines.
Steidten and Lopetegui have both taken a lot of flak of late.
This performance perhaps proves both right with the capture and the way he has been eased into the action.
Man United will get to see what they’re missing after the international break.
Things suddenly look a lot rosier in West Ham’s garden.
The Todibo has landed.
Thewolf
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