A surprising return on a tough stretch of matches has the starting XI cemented at the moment for West Ham, but a new attacking duo is waiting for their opportunity.
A strong preseason showing had West Ham fans licking their lips at the tantalizing thought of Grady Diangana setting up Sebastien Haller. The exciting, energetic winger looked to be the key to unlocking the supremely talented club-record signing for the Hammers, but Haller wouldn’t get to see this plan come o fruition.
Diangana was sold, needlessly so, to Premier League rivals West Brom and Haller has been stapled to the bench in a substitute role ever since. But, with the arrival of a new left winger in Said Benrahma, could Haller be prodded to life in the coming weeks?
We know the formation is going to keep the five-at-the-back layout they have been seeing results in from the past few weeks, but the attacking set up is up for grabs. While a holding duo allows for a straight-up three across attacking line, Haller and Benrahma could be like-for-like replacements to starters Michail Antonio and Pablo Fornals.
As expected, this would have to be off the bench as both players have been showing great chemistry and form recently. Given the opportunity, however, both Haller and Benrahma could earn more minutes by simply showing they have chemistry and can create together.
Haller plays an intricate and intelligent style of centre-forward play by dropping deep and releasing his wingers, and Benrahma has proven in the Championship he too is a very smart attacker. If both players can get on the same page the after-effects could be extremely dynamic.
Last season, Haller scored seven goals and chipped in two assists. This simply isn’t good enough for a player of his quality that exacted such an exorbitant price tag. Benrahma’s 10 assists and 17 goals from last season suggest that his addition to the team, alongside Haller or not, will be positive and will pull stats from the striker.
What supporters are hoping for, outside of some audacious solo effort goals, is regular service into the box with Haller waiting to attack. Haller was starved for service last season and proved against lower-league competition this season that he can score if given the chance. Benrahma’s delivery could help liberate the attacker and get him back on track.
So, how long will this new dynamic duo have to wait to get their chance? Not long at all, especially with Manchester City and Liverpool up next for the Hammers. If the game is in need of attacking options both players will factor in off the bench, but look for the matches against now winless Fulham and Sheffield United for the duo to break out.