West Ham need Albian Ajeti to get up to speed quick

With Chicharito seemingly off to Spain along with Antonio’s long term hamstring problem, the Hammers are thin at striker. The Irons need Albian Ajeti to get up to speed, as Haller cannot carry the load every match.

Things are very upbeat and positive at West Ham United. The Irons have managed 7 points from their first four fixtures, and have won two matches in a row heading into the first international break of the 2019 Premier League campaign. However, the Hammers are suddenly relying on new man Albian Ajeti to provide for them at striker after a long term injury to Antonio and Sevilla’s transfer of Chicharito.

Ajeti has been on the bench for three of West Ham’s first four Premier League matches but has failed to enter a match yet. He started the Hammers Carabao Cup match vs Newport, and although West Ham came away with a 2-0 victory, did not seem to have any impact on the match whatsoever. The Hammers will need the Swiss International to step it up in the coming weeks.

Although Sébastien Haller has been absolutely on fire for the Hammers recently with three goals in his last two matches, West Ham will need another striker to contribute. Haller takes a ton of physical punishment due to his aggressive aerial play-style and will need to be rested for some cup matches and maybe even some Premier League fixtures as well. That is where Manuel Pellegrini will need his new striker to step up.

Ajeti knows how to score goals. The 22-year-old scored 43 goals for FC Basel in 96 appearances. Although the Premier League is no match for the Swiss league in terms of quality of players and clubs, Ajeti is a lethal finisher who West Ham will need in the coming months until Antonio is fit again.

Many West Ham fans were very critical of Chicharito’s time at the club, however, he did manage to score some very important goals for the Hammers. Whether it be off the bench as a super-sub or starting the match, Hernandez seemingly grabbed goals the Hammers needed. That production will be missed, and Ajeti needs to take the brunt of Hernandez’s workload for the Irons.

When West Ham signed Albian Ajeti around deadline day this summer, many fans thought he would be a project player who wouldn’t contribute much this season and would be given a chance to grow. However, due to Chicha’s departure and Antonio’s hamstring, the Swiss striker will need to grow up quickly, as the Hammers will need him in their efforts to achieve European football this season.