Michail Antonio is one of the few Hammers players that brings a sense of being able to change the pattern of games - having been our most potent attacking force during his first two seasons at the club (and receiving Hammer of the year in 2016/7), last season was blighted by a recurring hamstring problem and his playing time and goal tally dipped accordingly.
That said, most observers would expect any incoming manager to include Antonio in their plans as he is a proven Premiership scoring talent. In addition to his impressive strike rate, he brings a formidable physicality that often causes chaos amongst opposition defence and, for a wide player, he is very strong in the air and can also play in a more central role if needed.
One of the biggest disappointments last season was that we really did not get to see the Lanzini-Arnautovic-Antonio-Hernandez combination that we had dreamed of at the start of the season!
However, with growing rumours that he may be Palace-bound, and the imminent arrival of Ukrainian Andriy Yarmolenko - a right sided attacking player, it looks like Antonio may be about to leave the club.
From where this observer is looking - this is surely Pellegrini's first big mistake at the club? Let’s hope that we can hold onto Michail as it would leave very exciting options up front!
COYI!!!
I don’t mind losing Antonio.. he’s not clever enough on the ball.. even though he’s physically a beast he doesn’t have the technical ability or passing ability needed to play the football I think Pellegrini wants to achieve ..he has some good attributes but Yarmolenko I think is definitely a level or two above
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