International coach shares ‘world-class’ verdict on West Ham United ace Michail Antonio
West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is “world-class,” according to Jamaica assistant coach Merron Gordon.
The Hammers forward has, however, pulled out of his nation’s upcoming Nations League matches for personal reasons.
Jamaica kickstart their new CONCACAF Nations League campaign by taking on Honuras and Haiti on Saturday (9 September) and Wednesday (13 September) respectively.
“Michail is always a big part of the puzzle,” said Gordon, as quoted by The Gleaner. “He is a world-class striker. He is a striker that does well against teams internationally and for his club.”
Red-hot form
Antonio has made a superb start to the new Premier League season, with the 33-year-old scoring twice from his four appearances. His goals came in the 3-1 victories against Chelsea and Brighton, and were both hugely impressive.
The striker had been linked with a move away from the London Stadium in the summer transfer window, but Hammers fans will be really glad that he remains in claret and blue.
That form would have also massively pleased his coaches at Jamaica, but unfortunately the striker has been forced to withdraw from international duty this time around.
The country will definitely miss their main man up top, with Antonio boasting three goals from his 12 Jamaica appearances so far.
He has certainly been a late bloomer for his national team, but they should still manage without him, with fellow Premier League attackers Demarai Gray and Leon Bailey set to step up in his absence.
In other West Ham news, a rival bid is now on the cards for the Hammers to miss out on a freebie signing.