Xande Silva: Get to know West Ham United’s replacement for Chicharito?
The story for Chicharito at West Ham United seemed to never be fully written and now it never will be. The new story now, is when will we get to see Xande Silva in action and how will he play?
Xande Silva just 22 years of age, came to East London in August of 2018 from Lig NOS side Vitória Guimarães SC in the Portuguese first division. Last season Silva got the opportunity to show the West Ham world exactly who he was with his style of play in several different competitions. Most notably, the Hammers FA Cup match at Birmingham City.
In that match, Xande Silva played 79 minutes and looked professionally solid during the match against the Championship side. That match saw Silva play more so on the left-wing but he showed his ability to move inside and he kept the keeper on his toes a few times during the match.
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Other than that, the Portuguese man played 17 minutes of an EPL match against Burnley and 8 matches for the clubs PL2 side where he scored 7 goals and got an assist. The potential is there but he has yet to get the experience or the time. That will most likely soon change as Pellegrini had placed him on the 23 man squad for the Hammers since his is on his way back and recovering from injury. Silva posted this semi-cryptic picture on his Instagram story early today only cementing the fact of his return.
As previously talked about on this forum, Silva is recovering from a bowel obstruction but is expected back late this month or early October, right before the 4th round of the Carabao Cup if the Hammers should make it that far. The fact that West Ham cut ties with Chichartio will one free up loads of cash, but more importantly, it tells us that Pellegrini and Co have faith in the young striker going forward for the senior squad.
Xande Silva’s upside should have Hammers fans elated about his return as West Ham United need as many healthy, strong forwards as they can get. Until then, we hope for a speedy rehab and healthy return for the young Hammer.