Divisive West Ham Striker Receives International Call-Up

West Ham’s Sebastien Haller has not had the best start to the season, but the striker has received an international call up.

Sebastien Haller has scored five goals this season in all competitions. But has not been able to convince everyone at West Ham that he is deserving of his starting spot. The striker has been given the responsibility of leading the line during Michail Antonio‘s absence.

The 26-year-old came through the youth academy at AJ Auxerre in France and has been recognised to have French nationality. But due to Les Blues incredible generation of talent Haller would have found it very difficult to force his way into the team.

The Hammers striker’s despite being born in France, his mother, however, has Ivorian nationality. This connection is enough to qualify Haller for the Ivory Coast national football team. Haller has received a call-up today by the Côte d’Ivoire coach, Patrice Beaumelle.

Haller should use this call-up as a way of boosting his confidence. A more confident Haller could help out West Ham as they enter an ‘easier’ run of fixtures. The striker will link up with fellow Premier League player Willy Boly from Wolves.

Haller joined West Ham last summer for a club-record fee of £45 million and has not yet reached the levels expected of him. The now Ivorian scored seven goals in the Premier League in his debut campaign, but they were not enough to stop the Hammers avoid a relegation battle.

West Ham won the battle against relegation thanks to goals from Antonio. The 30-year-old utility player had an immense run of form toward the end of lasts season and has carried it into the current campaign. Due to the form of Antonio, Haller has had to settle for a place on the bench until recently.

Antonio is recovering well and is expected to return to the matchday squad for the Sheffield United match. Therefore Haller has to shine against Fulham to show he still has a future in East London.