Former Irons goalkeeper turned BT Sport pundit David James waded into Modibo Maiga’s shocking performance in tonight’s defeat by FC Astra.
James made it clear the striker’s lack of mobility – and seemingly effort – was a massive drawback as the Hammers crashed out of the Europa Cup.
He said: “Maiga’s no show was a problem. Elliot Lee needed help but Maiga was offside too many times and didn’t really offer anything. It slowed the game down”
And in-play pundit Michael Owen was severely unimpressed declaring: “Maiga was pretty poor and was out-run by Lee.”
James though was pleased with Manuel Lanzi and Diego Poyet’s contributions saying: “Both of them did really well and overall the young boys can be very pleased with themselves.”
However, he was critical of Doniel Henry who stood off danger man Budescu for one of the goals saying: “He tried to block the shot instead of closing him down and the ball went through his legs which is a nightmare for keepers.
Pay him off you will never sell him,you made the same mistake last year not putting Hippo on garden leave,
He cost us the game tonight with a little help with our captain who has still got his integrity
I always hoped that Maiga would come good. After all our scouts must have seen so etching for us to buy him.
Sadly it seems that, in spite of getting another chance (more than many better players we have had on our books and let go) he still failed to take his ‘golden’ second chance.
We have to either sell or farm him out to a championship team ,or lower, but g et rid of him one way or another.
James blamed Henry for the first but it was Nolan who didnt track back or tackle leaving Henry exposed.