Julen Lopetegui issues Carlos Soler warning as West Ham boss ponders Jarrod Bowen position change

Julen Lopetegui has warned new West Ham signing Carlos Soler to expect a rough ride as he adapts to the physical challenge of the Premier League.

Former Valencia midfielder Soler, a deadline-day loan signing from Paris St Germain, could make his Hammers debut at Fulham on Saturday.

However, Lopetegui has told the 27-year-old playmaker, capped 14 times by Spain, that referees in England will turn a blind eye to more fouls than he is used to on the continent.

"There is a big difference," said the Hammers boss. "For me, 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."

Meanwhile, Jarrod Bowen's England cameos have given Lopetegui food for thought.

Lopetegui has used Bowen out wide in his first three matches in charge, but the Hammers captain came on twice for Harry Kane against the Republic of Ireland and Finland and took over the central striking role.

With Niclas Fullkrug an injury doubt and Michail Antonio recovering from a long flight after international duty with Jamaica, Bowen could find himself down the middle at Craven Cottage.

"His best position? On the pitch," smiled Lopetegui.

"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."