West Ham will be anxiously awaiting the news of Michail Antonio’s injury, hoping that the Englishman’s hamstring is okay.
Michail Antonio has become one of the best strikers in the League since “Project Restart”. The 30-year-old has scored eleven goals in his last thirteen Premier League starts. This hot streak included a brilliant overhead kick against Manchester City for West Ham on Saturday.
Antonio has played in many positions for West Ham in the past, including striker, but he has never been as effective as right now. This is why David Moyes and fans alike will be holding their breath waiting for news of the striker’s injury.
After City equalised on Saturday, Antonio was substituted and went straight down the tunnel with a suspected hamstring injury. But it might not be the end of the world for the Hammers as there could be an alternative that could help the Hammers cope without their main man.
Sebastien Haller may often frustrate due to his ‘apparent’ lack of work rate, but there is no doubting his natural ability. The Frenchman is the club’s top goalscorer this season with five goals, four of which did come in the League Cup.
This would be my lineup if Antonio is out injured. pic.twitter.com/dKVUGAZ9un
— Henry Tomlinson (@HenryTJourno) October 26, 2020
The main difference between Haller and Antonio is their playing styles. Antonio is non-stop and will give himself to the cause, whereas Haller needs a lot of support. The 26-year-old received this support during his positive start to his West Ham career.
So should Haller replace Antonio, another position will have to be changed to help get the best out of Haller. Pablo Fornals, like Antonio, is a workhorse but can’t provide the service and play style to get the best out of Haller. To the best out of the £45 million man, Said Benrahma is required to make his debut in the claret and blue.
Benrahma’s has the ability to come inside and take on players to create space to assist players. It is what made the Algerian so good at Brentford and Haller loves playing with these sorts of players. Haller briefly had a devastating link-up with Grady Diangana during the preseason. Until Diangana was sold, this was the main excitement for Hammers fans.
The new Haller/Benrahma system could play in the same formation, with only simple changes to the tactics. Though it could take a couple of weeks for people to adapt to the system, it could end up being a devastating one.