Lopetegui warns Soler about adapting to Premier League

Carlos Soler could make his West Ham debut against Fulham on Saturday after joining the club on loan from Paris St-Germain.

However, manager Julen Lopetegui has informed the midfielder that referees in England will let more fouls go compared with what he has been used to on the continent.

"There is a big difference,” said the Spaniard. "The rhythm is the biggest difference. The physical demand and the style too. I always say the same.

“The biggest difference about the rhythm is the referees. The referees in England - maybe it’s no foul, but in Spain it’s a yellow card. This changes the game, this changes the rhythm and we have to adapt.

“I like it, I like it a lot. But it’s true that we have to adapt and, for the players, it’s sometimes not easy to adapt to this pace or this rhythm - this demand.

“They need time to understand what happens around them. That’s why we try to help them.”

Over the international break, the Hammers boss has been pondering Jarrod Bowen's best position.

The England forward came on for Harry Kane against both the Republic of Ireland and Finland, filling in the central striking role. Lopetegui has so far used Bowen out wide in his first three matches in charge.

New signing Niclas Fullkrug is an injury doubt for the game against Fulham, while Michail Antonio may need time to recover from a long flight after international duty with Jamaica.

This could lead to Bowen starting as a striker to face Marco Silva's side.

When asked about Bowen's best position, Lopetegui said: "On the pitch."

He continued: "But it depends. He can play different positions - on the right, as a striker, number 10 too. Good players can always adapt. The smart players even more."