Supporters disappointed that David Moyes didn’t sign a backup striker might not need to look further than one player who already fulfils that role for his national team.
We are, of course, talking about Andriy Yarmolenko who plays up front for Ukraine and is their second-highest goal scorer of all time.
In fact, in 2017 the BBC ran a headline proclaiming Borussia Dortmund sign Ukraine striker on a four-year deal
He often played as a striker for Dynamo Kyiv and it was only after his move to Borussia Dortmund that he fulfilled a regular winger role.
Featuring in Dynamo’s senior team since 2007, he scored 108 goals in 282 appearances.
Borussia Dortmund bought in Yarmolenko as Ousmane Dembele replacement but things didn’t work out for him in Germany.
David Moyes has form in moving Marko Arnautovic and now Michail Antonio into a forward role so you can’t bet against thee manager seeing a more forward role for the Ukraine winger if needed.
Yarmolelnko came on for Michail Antonio on 77th minute against Spurs and almost immediately showed the manager his worth by throwing himself at Gareth Bale when he was one one one with Fabianksi.
Arguably his actions were just enough to put off the £600,000 per week Real Madrid loanee and spoil his homecoming party. If he hadn’t have stopped Bale from scoring Lanzini’s later goal would have been for nought.
He is certainly tough enough and has the foot skills. Not speedy, but can hold the ball.
Great thought.
Very true comments. First time I’ve seen it reported about his tracking back and pressuring of Bale who otherwise would have been clean through. Not only that, but he picked himself up straight after the tackle and immediately headed out for the forward line. Really good to see such effort and committment. Examples such as these plus the celebration after Lanzini’s equaliser suggest there’s a growing team togetherness about the club. Great to see and praise due to Moyes and his background team.
Maybe.. but why cant we just buy an out and out forward ,rather than making someone in to one all the time ..not like it’s just happened…he isnt a forward lets be honest….do a job for a game or 2 but that’s about it …imo
So why , all the negative rubbish on YouTube from various podcasters . I sometimes wonder if they support west ham United or are only interested in the’re collective returns by subscribers . I am a west ham fan and I think my opinion has as much weight as any YouTube opinions . In fact , I would say I have been supporting west ham for longer than the internet has existed where upon these people who think they know more about football than professional people who have lived thier lives with football . Well , there you are , I’ve had my little rant but I think I deserve it . I’m nearly 70 yrs old and have seen more west ham than any of these podcacasteras put together . They think they understand west ham when in actual fact they understand nothing .
COYHAMMERS
Kevin, I never watch any YouTubers but I read all your comments on C & H with interest. Doubtless we have different opinions on some players or club matters, but you obviously have claret & blue running through your veins – keep on posting!
I feel your pain mate. Agree with much of that
I’m also with you on that point Kevin… Unfortunately, some of the stuff on there can be a little corrosive too.
Your point about playing Yamalenko as a centre-forward is a good one and he has already played there. This was known before we signed him and that is why the signing was an important one. Against Spurs, Bowen, was moved to the centre and Yarmalenko played wide to the right. If you review his introduction he can be seen signalling to Bowen to move towards the centre as he ran onto the pitch.
Some experimentation should take place between now and Christmas to ensure that we make best use of available resources and create a more content squad.
That would give us options upfront and allow the money to be spent on may be a centre-had or a left back. Or, more importantly and urgently a more adequate cover for the midfield two of Rice or Soucek.
Against Spuds the three subs made a big impact as they were introduced early enough. Snoddy won the free kick that gave us the third goal from a fabulous strike by Lanzini. Yarmalenko’s back pass to Coufal gave us the second and so I hope any changes to the team are made in good time which the manager does not always get right.
I totally see Yarmo as a stirker option, at the weekend he came on on the right side and Bowen was moved up top. However I believe Yarmo could really develop as a 9, he is clever, for a big man he is skillful and I believe he would be a terrific option. He is a more natural 9 than Bowen. I actually believe we have 4 options up top, Antonio, Haller, Yarmo and the young striker who is one hell of a pleyer.
Good to see Yarmo getting some good buzz about his abilities up front. I’ve been saying on here for a while he is well suited to playing the 9, although I believe West Ham are better suited to the phantom striker, with Antonio, Yarmolenko with Bowen, Lanzini, Fornals, Snoddy, Benrhama behind, it shores up midflid and gives room for the wing backs…..
But hell, just throw them all on the pitch and let them work it out….
Geoff Hurst was a defender until Ron Greenwood needed a strong bloke up front, the rest is history so well worth a try if needed!
loved Yarmolenko’s challenge on Bale, running the length of the pitch to shove him and put him off.
Can’t wait to see what Mipo Odubeko can do when he gets the chance. The young lad is 18 today and boy is he some prospect.
Good to see Yarmolenko has played CF over his career & played in front 2 for Ukraine in International break. I think that suits him better then the wing probably bc lack of pace but he in skilful & clinical plus good with his head. He still seems to be best coming off the bench but Moyes has made wingers into CFs that’s kind of his thing😉 Hopefully that’s doesn’t push Haller our even more though b/c he is a talent well rounded CF meets #10 imo he is very good on ball & I think Benrahma could help him like Grady was doing. He just isn’t a target man.
If/when we get another striker we need to add pace just like at the back. I actually like the Adam Armstrong link at 23 he is very quick & can play across & Ligue 1 has a number of pacey strikers.
Yarmelenko could very easily become the new Sir Trevor Brooking with the added bonus of a keen eye for goal and, as with STB, an unselfish willingness to lay the ball off to someone who is better placed. Given his international experience, I’m surprised that he has not been given more opportunities to show off his obvious skills.
Agree thought I think he will be more chances under Moyes especially if he stays fit.
A great player, scores and creates, just needs to be used more and if sub brought in after 60 mins so he can have a real impact.
Love the way he got back to put Bale off as much a he’s through ball for the second goal.
We have the squad to make an impact on the top 6, keep playing the same system but just get the subs on earlier , we have real quality on the bench……………
If Moyes can get him to play like Arnie or Antonio he is a better finisher than both, am not sure why he doesn’t play through the middle as he is one of the most intelligent creative players we have and is also a big unit that is hard to knock off the ball.
Moye sis great at taking wingers who haved played CF before & making main CF. Many have said if Yarmo had Antonio’s pace he would be unreal up front.
I think through the middle suits him best he has played there & played in front 2 recently for Ukraine. He doesn’t have the pace on the wing & even when he was fit he starts to get figured out of RW after 4-5 games. But he supposedly he well liked, is extremly skilfull & clincal.
If he can stay fit & then hopefully start getting more minutes to build up game fitness.
Antonio Haller & Yarmo aren’t bad options for CF
Yarmolenko – respect.Thank You,guys,for true analyze.I am ukrainian, but now i am for West Ham United too.EPL is best!