Barry Fry claims Ivan Toney would be ideal for West Ham
Brentford striker Ivan Toney would be an ideal fit for West Ham, believes Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry.
The English striker was pivotal in the Bees’ successful quest of securing promotion to the top flight last season, and despite being in the Premier League for the 2021/22 campaign, Toney is still subject to interest from a host of clubs.
Insider source Claret & Hugh reported in April that West Ham were in talks with the player’s representatives, but thus far, things haven’t seemed to have materialised.
However, Fry believes that if the Hammers could secure his services, he would be the perfect fit for them for next season.
He told Football Fancast, “At West Ham they’ve got some of the best delivery from corners and free-kicks, which helps as they’ve got two or three players that can really attack the ball and Ivan Toney would only add to that.
“He’s brilliant in the air, both offensively and defensively, so I can see Ivan fitting into West Ham’s style of play.”
Hard to disagree with that
David Moyes loves a set piece and enjoys watching his full-backs bomb forward and put aerial balls into the box. It’s been a characteristic of his playing philosophy since his Everton days and he’s polished it over the years.
Last year, we scored the most goals from set pieces (16) in the Premier League – which highlights the importance Moyes puts on dead-ball situations on the training ground.
Signing Toney won’t just add to our aerial threat during set pieces, but would also give us a technical and robust centre forward who could occupy defenders and due to his trickery would get the better out of them more times than not.
He’s ruthless in front of goal and works exceptionally hard to keep himself fit – something Michail Antonio has failed to do.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special [March 16], former Crystal Palace attacker Clinton Morrison waxed lyrical of Toney.
“He has been outstanding,” said Morrison. “He’s the type of striker that can get 35 goals this season. He might be on that because he has been excellent.”
Now that Brentford have been promoted, signing him would become complicated and that much more expensive, but it would be a signal of intent if we go out and sign him up this summer.
In other West Ham news, Hammers want to sign South American sensation, 22 goals involvements in 20/21 – report
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