If I had to pick a favourite interview of the week it would certainly be the one that Pablo Fornals gave to the official site in explaining that he has enjoyed ” a nice season.”
But that doesn’t really tell the tale at all. Everybody loves a scrapper – Robert Snodgrass was one of those who turned the fans around in his favour after being expected to replace Dimi Payet set piece expert.
And like Snoddy the young Spaniard has had a real battle on his hands and was pushed right into the background as the new manager not unnaturally looked towards Anderson and Lanzini on his arrival.
When that didn’t work out he turned to Fornals who eventually made a surprsing 40 appearances for four goals but despite that passed under the radar to a large extent and was regularly subbed.
But his form on the resumption was outstanding – ok he will never be a big eye catcher but his work rate and energy can’t be faulted and he was having more and more of an impact as the season came to an end with the club safe in the Premier League.
He proclaimed: Personally, I will look back at my first year at West Ham [and it was] very good because it is not easy to come from another country. Everybody knows the difference in intensity between La Liga and the Premier League, so i think for me it was a very nice season.
“I played a lot – that’s why I came here, to play, to try to help West Ham and I am very happy.”
The boy’s a battler and leaves nothing on the pitch and that’s all most of us ask for or expect!
I’d still happily trade him for Matteo Guendouzi……
Thought you only liked british players?
No I said Moyes did. More idiots arriving for one post at least. Hope your assumptions are more accurate of the horses!
He is more creative than Anderson or Lanzini they may look flashy but like Bowen he is quietly effective and works his socks off, Guendouzi is on his way out at Arsenal Blimey, his lack of humility means he is persona non grata, taunting other players with how much he earns was not something Arteta would swallow, he wants honesty from his players as foes Guardiola, Bielsa and imho Moyes another less celebrated manager, more players like Fornals, Soucek and Bowen please whoever we sign.
On the money. Fornals is creative and defends! Neither Anderson or Lanzini feel defending is their job. Wrong league. Serie A players.
Looking for ward to Fornals as he matures.
I think the expression is to “leave it all on the pitch” (not “leave nothing”)…
But… the point is understood and well taken. His work rate is a reflection of his understanding of what it takes. Good on him!
Always appreciate a grafter, add a bit of flair and… suddenly we have a genuine favourite.
I was sad to see Moyes go after the last time he saved us, he always seemed to motivate players and get the best from them.
I shan’t lie, I was ecstatic to get MP, it ultimately didn’t work out but Moyes came back and now he gets to build.
For some reason I’m thinking the Antonio/Haller combo is going to terrorise defences next season! COYI ⚒⚒⚒
Easily one our better players this seasons. He will be a very good player for us over the coming years
When we bought him last summer I questioned the expensive purchase of another ‘tricky little midfielder’ when we had obvious gaps in our squad – box-to-box midfielder, full backs and strikers. The only way I could see it was that MP saw Fornals as a replacement for Lanzini in case Lanzini never regained fitness, or we had a good offer for him. So in this case MP got it right. Fornals has grown into the Premiership while unfortunately, Lanzini is a shadow of his former self. Fingers crossed his form recovers, but it’s not looking good – unlike Fornals. Great energy and endeavour and I could see him in the middle threading balls through to our strikers next season.