Haller exit provides platform for new life at West Ham
By Louis Pye
With the departure of Sebastien Haller now confirmed, it gives David Moyes the chance to bring in a new striker who will fit his system at West Ham.
It is no secret that the Frenchman struggled to adapt to the role that Moyes asked him to perform at West Ham, as he primarily played as a lone striker in Michail Antonio’s absence with injury.
No matter who was to blame, Haller was simply not putting in the kind of performances that were required of him, so it was best for both parties to ultimately part ways.
The Scottish manager clearly knows what he wants in a striker, similar to what Antonio currently offers and what Marko Arnautovic – who is being rumored with a return back to the Hammers – brought to Moyes’ West Ham side during his first reign in charge of the club.
Physical, hard-working, and tenacious are just three of the traits that the Scot requires from his lone frontman, whilst also becoming the team’s primary goalscorer – something that both Antonio and Arnautovic managed to do when Moyes converted them from the wing to down the middle.
Of course, both of these examples were already at the club and were therefore ready-made for Moyes to utilize them in the way in which he did, whereas this time it is likely that he will have to shop around in the January Transfer Window for a Haller replacement.
As mentioned, Arnautovic has been tipped for a return to east London which the Hammers fanbase is already split on, whilst Bournemouth striker Josh King has also been linked with a move to West Ham – a forward to arguably possesses all of the aforementioned qualities that Moyes wants.
Presuming that a new striker is being lined up to bring in this month, be sure to be confident that the West Ham boss will find a man that will suit his and the team’s style of football.