Scamacca’s big east end aim

Gianluca Scamacca is aiming to become the east end’s Eric Cantona.

His path to the Premier League saw him rise from the Roma’s academy which he left at the age of 16 for PSV in Holland where he worked under Dutch stars such as Van Bommel Van Nistelrooy.

But the 23-year-old admitted that Cantona was an influence, and he was very imposing, also a little bit arrogant in his way in his approach.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun it is revealed that as a teenager, he would trawl through old videos and adverts of the great striker in his 90s era of dominance and delight, searching for inspiration.

Cantona quickly became that influence and wants to carry the great man’s attitude and goals into West Ham.

He admits he has a way to go and that he wants to be more imposing and knows he has to gain confidence during games.

He explained: “In Italy it was different. It’s more tactical rather than physical. But here in the Premier League, you need to be more imposing. 

“It’s a different way of playing. They’re faster. Definitely it surprised me and it’s something I’m getting used to. I need to get used to it quickly. It’s a different type of game.”

So far that’s show by the fact that he has shone in the Europa Conference League with four goals in seven outings whilst finding the net just twice in the PL.

“I’m at 70 per cent of my potential. In a couple of months, I’ll get there, or be on my way there. I know I can do better.

“I found confidence on my journey. I had a lot of difficulties in the past. I had to work on myself. On my mind. This made me more confident.”