<p>Ecuador is off to an impressive start to its <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 FIFA World Cup</a> campaign after a win and a draw against Qatar and the Netherlands, respectively. The South Americans go into their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/ecuador-national-team-tv-schedule/">last group-stage match against Senegal</a> Tuesday riding high on confidence.</p>



<p>The Ecuadorians will go into this game needing at least a point to qualify for the Round of 16. This is a team that goes for the win. It was clear by their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ecuador-should-continue-to-impress-against-netherlands-20221124-WST-409567.html">dominating performances</a> in their first two group games. They will be fancied to do the job against a tough, well-coached Senegal side. </p>



<h2>Ecuador has been surprise of tournament, thus far</h2>



<p>Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro can do no wrong at the moment. He brought back two tactical formations that he had not used in a long while, which have paid off immensely. In the game against Holland, he used the 3-4-3 formation.</p>



<p>Having three center-backs didn’t look like a good gamble at first because of Holland’s early goal through Cody Gakpo. As the game moved on, the Dutch couldn’t get any meaningful attacks all game long. Their lone goal was their only shot on target. They also couldn’t handle the full-backs acting as wingers. Both Ángelo Preciado and Pervis Estupiñán are having a great tournament. </p>



<p>Then there are the goalscoring exploits of Enner Valencia, a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/06/22/ecuador-striker-enner-valencia-from-milkman-to-world-cup-star/">striker with an incredible story</a>. The team captain leads the team with three goals. He is so effective in disrupting opposition defenses by going in and out of the wing and central areas. The Fenerbahçe man finds himself at the right place at the right time to find himself goals, as evidenced with his goal against the Netherlands. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Netherlands vs. Ecuador Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ysBE1mLjyJY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Spirits are high in Ecuador with the fans and media. There is one lingering concern and it deals with Valencia. In both games, the 33-year-old had to be substituted for apparent injuries. Against the Netherlands on Friday, he had to be stretchered off late in the game. </p>



<h2>Other possible sources for goals</h2>



<p>Valencia has been so good for <em>La Tri</em> that <a href="https://www.ecuavisa.com/mundial-qatar-2022/seleccion-ecuador/qatar-2022-enner-valencia-no-descarta-jugar-ante-senegal-YH3779670" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecuadorian media are worried</a> that their chances of making a deep run can take a hit if Valencia gets a long-term injury. All signs point to <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/enner-valencia-ecuador-injury-world-cup-latest-golden-boot/cpxdgn1pvmoc36scimd1gk2m" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valencia being fit for Senegal</a> but it has the media looking at how a potential replacement will be able to fare in his place in case of an injury.</p>



<p>Alfaro has started Cruz Azul forward, Michael Estrada, in both games. He is likely to start again on Tuesday against Senegal. He was Ecuador’s top goalscorer in World Cup qualification. The problem is that he is goal-less for the national team since February against Peru. Despite not yet scoring in Qatar, Estrada is playing well by doing the dirty work of winning back balls and drawing out defenses. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Eliminatorias Catar 2022 | Todos los goles de Michael Estrada para Ecuador" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0gtUaj3O4cg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Kevin Rodríguez is a young striker that is also an option if Valencia is not fully fit. Alfaro is putting a lot of trust in the 22-year-old that plays for Imbabura in the Ecuadorian second division. He has come on as a substitute in both games so far. </p>



<p>The forward was <a href="https://www.elcomercio.com/deportes/mundial-qatar/kevin-rodriguez-imbabura-mundial-qatar-debut.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on no one’s radar before November</a>. Then he was called up for the World Cup warm-up game against Iraq. He made his debut, and then made the World Cup squad. Ecuador scouted him well, and his nine goals in Ecuador’s Serie B must have been convincing enough to call him up. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Asi juega Kevin Rodríguez delantero convocado al Mundial" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6pXEkYXsLLg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Rodríguez is now clearly third in line in Alfaro’s striker pecking order. Valencia and Estrada being the top two. He is a tall, lanky forward who has good technical ability. The striker can score with both his head and feet, just like Valencia. He is also similar to Valencia in that he is very physical and will challenge for any contested ball. His willingness to go deep into midfield and win balls back and start transitions to attack, exemplify why he is already an Alfaro favorite. </p>



<p>He has shown signs of promise with the little time he has played. Ecuadorian media found his call-up controversial because there was a feeling that the team needed more experienced backup forwards. </p>



<p>Gustavo Alfaro made it his message that if a player is good enough, then they are old enough. This explains his shock call-up of Kevin Rodríguez, but it is also the reason why the whole team is young, energetic, and forward-attacking. Alfaro has given youth a chance and it is paying off for <em>La Tri </em>in the two years since he has been in charge. </p>



<p><em>Photo credit: Imago</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Despite Enner Valencia's form, goals are still a worry for Ecuador

Ecuador is looking good ahead of the final group-stage match. We take a closer look in our Ecuador Senegal preview for Qatar 2022.

Despite Enner Valencia's form, goals are still a worry for Ecuador - World Soccer Talk

<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/sam-allardyce1.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-92459" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/01/sam-allardyce1-600x399-600x399.webp" alt="sam-allardyce" width="600" height="399" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure></div></a></p>
<p>The stats are not terribly encouraging for West Ham United but perhaps it’s wise not to read too much into them. Amongst the ‘doom’ and ‘gloom’ there has been progress which the West Ham team can build on. The attacking element of their game seems more varied and dynamic, the all round team play appears to be developing and the new signings have added a depth to the squad that they didn’t possess last season.</p>
<p>If we compare this season’s start with last season’s one there is one similarity and a couple of marked differences.</p>
<p>This season,&nbsp;they haven’t been able to keep the ball out of their net but going forward they’ve been far more threatening. On the face of it West Ham’s attempts to implement a new attacking style seem to be working upfront but at the expense of leaving themselves more exposed at the back.</p>
<p>Sam Allardyce admitted as much stating “attractive football is OK, but you need to have that defensive unit too.” One suspects that Allardyce would have been more than happy to see West Ham scoring fewer goals in exchange for more clean sheets.</p>
<p>The performance in the opening game against Spurs demonstrated that a more enterprising style had been adopted even if Allardyce curiously opted to start with Carlton Cole up front ahead of his newer attacking recruits. Things could have been so different had Mark Noble converted his spot kick but even so West Ham should have made more of their man advantage after Kyle Naughton was sent off on the half hour mark. In the end they only mustered four shots on goal and were sucker punched right at the end when Eric Dier scored a last minute winner.</p>
<p>The game against (a then manager-less) Crystal Palace was far more positive and displayed how varied their attacking options can be. Mauro Zárate scored an absolute peach of a goal, Stewart Downing finished off a crisp, incisive, flowing move whilst Carlton Cole’s effort displayed West Ham’s ability to play direct as well.</p>
<p>West Ham were outclassed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/05/dont-sleep-on-southampton/">Southampton</a> losing 3-1 at Upton Park with the Hammers having just 37% of the ball with only two shots on target to show for their efforts.</p>
<p>The game against Hull City despite being a 2-2 draw saw reasons to be optimistic about West Ham’s progress on a footballing front. It marked Enner Valencia’s first competitive start for Allardyce’s side and the Ecuadorian announced himself in style.</p>
<p>According to the BBC Sport website West Ham managed to complete 387 passes against Hull. To put that in context that was the highest number of passes completed by the Hammers in the Premier League away from home since May 2010 when Gianfranco Zola was in charge. The spirit that West Ham displayed twice coming back from behind displayed that they’re ready to battle also bodes well but perhaps their ability to fight back is due in no small part to the options they have up front.</p>
<p>Mauro Zárate, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Morgan Amalfitano offer West Ham a number of attacking options and cover. Last season the attack was dependent on and centered around Andy Carroll who spent a significant amount of time on the treatment table. Carroll at the moment is currently out injured. Sakho provides cover as a target man whilst Zárate, Valencia and Amalfitano offer creativity and flair in the final third. Behind the scenes the influence of attacking coach Teddy Sheringham cannot be underestimated either.</p>
<p>Equally, the loan signing of Alex Song could prove to be a shrewd move. Song admitted that Sam Allardyce convinced him to join West Ham and if the Cameroon international can recapture the form he displayed in his final season at Arsenal then the Hammers will have a player who can dictate the tempo of a game in midfield and set-up scoring chances. A midfield of Song and Mark Noble, who is an excellent passer of the ball, can give West Ham a platform to play a progressive style of football. Kevin Nolan could find it a struggle to get back into the starting 11.</p>
<p>Cheikhou Kouyaté has looked impressive since he joined from Anderlecht. He has the capability to bully opponents and has been compared to Patrick Vieira by Allardyce. Aaron Cresswell may be a less glamorous signing but the left-back has slotted in capably since moving to Upton Park. Carl Jenkinson and Diego Poyet joined this summer too in a busy window for West Ham.</p>
<p>Overall the squad, looks stronger this season than last. The additions appear to genuinely improve the tea m whilst they’ve got rid of the deadwood. It’s just a question of how quickly the team can gel together.</p>
<p>Despite making decent additions West Ham do need their stalwarts to perform. Perhaps the biggest concern is the form of Winston Reid who normally is a calming, solid presence at the heart of the defense. The defender who was at one point linked with Arsenal has not been at his best and that in part has contributed to West Ham’s leaky backline. Allardyce needs to coax the Reid back to his best if the Hammersare to shore up their defense.</p>
<p>To a degree this West Ham side is in transition. The onus to deliver entertaining football has forced Allardyce to go against his natural instincts. The attacking threat is more potent but the defensive solidity is not there and it is up to him to make everything come together. Big Sam should embrace the challenge because an argument can be made that he can only take a team to a certain level before leveling off. With this squad he has the tools prove his critics wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp; If he can once again make West Ham a solid unit whilst developing the increasing fluency of play and keeping the attacking threat then he could guide his side into the top 10.</p>
<p>It’s a big ‘if’ but if the West Ham manager can go against his natural instincts and commits to a more progressive style of football then the rewards could be great. The question is whether Allardyce is willing to take that risk.</p>
<p>The potential is there but can West Ham realize it?</p>
<p><strong>Team Rating: 2.5/5</strong> – Not the greatest of starts but if they click then West Ham could be a dangerous side to play against.</p>
<p><strong>BEST STARTING 11 (If all players are fit and available):</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><b>——————————–</b></span>Adrián——————————-</p>
<p>Joey O’Brien – Winston Reid – James Tomkins – Aaron Cresswell</p>
<p>———-Cheikhou Kouyaté – Mark Noble – Alex Song————-</p>
<p>———-Enner Valencia – Andy Carroll – Mauro Zárate————-</p>
<p><strong>STAR PLAYER SO FAR – </strong>Cheikhou Kouyaté</p>


West Ham United August-September Progress Report

West Ham United August-September Progress Report - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Enner Valencia. Find out about all the news related to Enner Valencia on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Enner Valencia"

News

Despite Enner Valencia's form, goals are still a worry for Ecuador

News

West Ham United August-September Progress Report