Frank McAvennie thrilled with work-rate of West Ham attacking quartet
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has been amazed by the transformation of four West Ham players under David Moyes this season.
The forward line have taken plenty of plaudits for their attacking prowess in the Premier League this season but there has also been a noticeable shift in the work ethic.
Manuel Lanzini, Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard have all impressed ex-Irons striker McAvennie who has been blown away by their willingness to the cause, as well as their ability to all fit together into the same team as evidenced in the 2-1 win at Burnley on May 3.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “At the start of the season you couldn’t have played Lanzini, Fornals, Lingard and Benrahma in one team because there’s not a tackle between them.
“But now all of a sudden you see them fighting for each other and you’re going ‘Woah’, and that’s the team spirit David Moyes has instilled into them.
“In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have seen, no matter how good a talent there is, that formation with them in it, that’s a magnificent step in the right direction.
“They’re all fighting for each other, it’s a wonderful testament to Moyes and his backroom team because these boys have been different class players but they’re all fighting for each other.
“I never thought I’d see Lanzini chasing a ball down, no disrespect to him but I think everyone will know what I’m talking about.”
Rice return
It’s a shame that the quartet were not afforded longer playing time together after Lanzini’s injury picked up in the 1-0 loss to Everton, six days after the triumph at Turf Moor.
The Argentinian playmaker has since been ruled out for the rest of the campaign, meaning he will miss Sunday’s crunch clash with Southampton.
But in his absence influential midfielder Declan Rice has returned to the side and led the team to a draw and win against Brighton and West Brom respectively.
Either result on Sunday would see West Ham qualify for next season’s Europa League ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
In other West Ham news, report claims Irons are preparing a move for 22y/o ‘Revelation’ with a ‘Ridiculous’ goalscoring record.
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