View: How Michail Antonio transformed his game at West Ham
Now in his seventh season at the club and aged 30, Michail Antonio’s transformation at West Ham in recent years has been incredible.
Despite the club spending heavily in the hope of finding a centre-forward that can guarantee them goals on a number of occasions now, the former Reading man has developed under the radar into the ideal player for their attack.
Mobile, intelligent and constantly improving, Antonio has become the main man under David Moyes and with three goals in their opening six Premier League games, he has played a crucial role in their great start to the season.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Thursday, the England hopeful said that his self belief never wavered as he sought to prove himself in Premier League.
“My big lesson is, ‘always believe in yourself’,” he said.
“I could have easily gone back to the Championship on loan but wouldn’t have had the opportunity in the Premier League. It took me seven years to get to the Premier League – why would I go back because I am having a tough time? I always believed in myself.”
And these words ring true when you watch him play. Antonio is always available for West Ham either running in behind or occupying a centre-back.
The attacker has completed 2.2 dribbles and one key pass per game so far this Premier League season, and has taken three shots per 90 (per WhoScored). He also creates quality opportunities for himself, generating 11.7 expected goals last season which placed him in the top 20 in the division (via FBRef).
But how has Antonio made such improvements. For one, moving centrally has seen the attack run through him more fundamentally. Creative players like Pablo Fornals and Jared Bowen have played a role too, as the Englishman now has a reliable supply of crosses and through balls to attack.
His movement though should not be underestimated. Below, see how Antonio has trusts Bowen to put the ball in the right spot. He knows that if sprints beyond the Manchester City defender, the former Hull City man will look to find him.
On this occasion, Bowen takes a poor touch and the move breaks down. However, in other situations he has received the delivery he wanted. Below, notice that Antonio is finding the space on the edge of the area as soon as Aaron Creswell receives the ball.
With the Leicester City defender is attracted to the crosser, Antonio maintains his space, follows the flight of the ball and heads home to make it 1-0.
Antonio has made a hot start to the season and the challenge now is maintaining that. Of course, a striker is always reliant on his service, but given Antonio’s movement, intelligence and devastating speed, it would be no surprise to see him continue to appear on the scoresheet this season.
In other West Ham news, the club is scouting the Czech Republic for new players.