View: Maxwel Cornet could be the January signing West Ham United need after injury-plagued start to season
It is safe to say Maxwel Cornet would have hoped for a better start to life in a West Ham United shirt.
Following his £17million move from Burnley last summer, the 26-year-old has unfortunately spent most of his time on the Hammers’ medical table – making just five Premier League appearances this season.
And West Ham have certainly struggled for goals without the Ivorian winger, with only Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves finding the net fewer times this campaign.
According to ExWHUemployee, Cornet is set to be fit for the Boxing Day clash against Arsenal, providing he doesn’t hit any further roadblocks in his recovery from a thigh injury.
With West Ham United failing to find any kind of rhythm in front of goal this season, the attacker can prove himself to be like a January transfer during the second half of the season to this otherwise blunt Hammers forward line.
Cornet has proven during his time at Burnley that he is a raw talent that can be unstoppable on his day.
Able to play in a variety of forward positions, the 26-year-old will give Moyes a much-needed variety in his attack as well as some pace to get in behind opposition defences with.
What Moyes will hope Cornet can bring to his side is some fresh service to centre-forward Gianluca Scamacca, who has failed to deliver for The Hammers since his £35.5 million move in the summer.
The Italian forward has struggled to build any chemistry with West Ham’s attacking stars, and Cornet’s return from the sidelines could help kick-start the ex-Sassuolo striker into life.
Last season at Burnley, the Ivorian scored nine Premier Lague goals playing as a striker for Sean Dyche’s side in a rigid 4-4-2 formation.
Although Moyes is yet to experiment with this tactical set-up so far this season, it could be worth a shot.
Lucas Paqueta has shown his ability to drop into a more profound midfield role for Brazil during the World Cup, and with Said Benrahma and Jarod Bowen also behind them – Scamacca and Cornet shouldn’t be short of service.