What has Haller brought West Ham that so many before did not?

West Ham got into the win column much early then they have in the past two seasons. This win against Watford on Saturday brought more than just three points, it brought a promise that hasn’t been seen in a while.

Many believed that when West Ham signed Seb Haller from the Bundesliga in Germany, that they were getting the second choice behind Maxi Gomez. Well, it turns out, Pellegrini and Husillos knew exactly what they were getting out of the 6’2 Frenchman as he dominated all areas of his game this past weekend.

The title of this article might seem a bit bold, but Sebastien Haller has done or shown so much in just a short glimpse that many forwards before him could never have done. With his skills of strength, height, and finesse, as long as he stays fit, he will be a force to reckon with this season in the EPL. Let’s go ahead and break it down skill by skill

Strength

Most recently Marko Arnautovic had somewhat of a similar strength skill set as Haller but not with the same finesse. Often times Marko would shoulder someone off to get by but would lose the ball or his footing in the process. Not just against Watford but City as well, Haller had shown his ability to hold off the defender or work around them and move the play up the pitch.

Controlled Height

We don’t have to look too far for West Ham’s last forward that was tall. The Green Street Hammer’s favorite Andy Carroll, or most of our favorites, was a force to be worked in the box when fit. I know Haller just took a knock last week but it’ll take time until he and his body get used to the EPL. Clearly, both could use their heights well but I think we were all a little taken back this past weekend at the two acrobatic bicycles attempted by Haller. Which leads into the last trait of finesse.

Finesse in finishing

Sebastien Haller’s finesse comes as the end effect to his controlled height and his strength. As previously mentioned he has the strength to push past or hold off defenders to move the play and the controlled height to get to the ball by any means necessary and both are finished with his finesse in finishing.

Being in the right place at the right time and finishing well are basic traits for a forward. Doing them well, on the other hand, are sometimes not. Haller showed us twice on Saturday that he can get to the ball and finish the play just like the Hammer’s most recent forwards, Carrol or Arnautovic sometimes could not.