By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham’s links with AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott appear to be growing by the hour and, having taken a closer look at the 24-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur forward, it’s not difficult to see why Nuno Espírito Santo might be interested.
1. He improves the system rather than changing it
The first thing that jumps off the page is that Parrott appears to offer many of the qualities Pablo brought to the side, only with a little more pace and a much greater goal threat.
Last season, Pablo undoubtedly improved West Ham’s ability to press from the front. He worked tirelessly, disrupted opposition build-up and gave Nuno’s side a focal point out of possession.
The problem, of course, was that the goals never arrived and, if we’re honest, he hasn’t looked much better in pre-season. In fact, he’s looked worse.
Parrott looks capable of giving West Ham the best of both worlds.
He scored 16 Eredivisie goals, added six assists and still does the hard graft without the ball. He’s the type of striker who doesn’t simply wait for chances to arrive but helps create them by pressing defenders, forcing mistakes and winning possession high up the pitch.
That should be music to Nuno’s ears because it means he wouldn’t need to abandon the system he’s spent the last few months trying to build. Instead, he’d simply be upgrading one of the key positions within it.
2. His numbers suggest the goals are sustainable
Another encouraging sign is that Parrott isn’t reliant on moments of brilliance.
He consistently gets himself into dangerous positions inside the penalty area and takes a healthy number of shots, suggesting his goals are built on intelligent movement just as much as natural finishing ability.
That is exactly the type of profile West Ham have lacked for much of the past season when Calum Wilson didn’t play.
3. He looks made for Championship football
There’s obviously no such thing as a guaranteed signing.
However, if West Ham are looking for a striker who can lead the press, occupy defenders and still provide the goals that were missing last season, Troy Parrott certainly appears to tick plenty of boxes.
If Nuno can land him for around the reported £20 million, I think West Ham will be signing a player who fits the manager’s philosophy far better than simply chasing the biggest name available.
I’d say I agree with 95% of what you post Kris but our links to Parrott are concerning at the price being mentioned. If we get him for £15m fair play, not a bad signing, but at the money being quoted it’s madness.
I’m starting to worry about Nuno and his signings. This seems a far cry from the quality Wolves were signing in 2017 when in the Championship.
I’ve said it before on other posts but what is the point of Nils Koppen? If what we’re seeing is the extent of WH and his own scouting network then I am very concerned already.
Veltman on a freebie makes sense btw.
We have signed one ageing defender that’s not going to set the world on fire . I see us a being to slow in making offers or even making a decision. Nuno & the board need to sort it out. As much as I would like Parrot we are not showing enough ambition . I won’t hold my breath . We also need to get Engels let’s just do we should not low ball so much if we want him. Not much different to DS so far that is disappointing!
A well balanced squad requires a blend of players with varying attributes. IE, a no nonsense CB, coupled with a ball playing technically gifted partner. A ball carrying wide player with an eye for goal with a ball winning defensive minded midfielder sat behind to provide him with service.
Only when the transfer window is closed can we really assess if we have a balanced set of players.
Parrott might be useful, can’t say I know anything about him though.
The next three weeks are going to be fascinating to see who’s leaving and which players are added.
Very worrying
Parrot and Solomon deals are off
Have been pushing for players, again Parrot too good for the championship and Solomon not willing to pay the money
It is looking very gloomy for the fans
A 34 year old defender will not fill us with glee
We need a Striker and quick plus a midfielder
It is looking bad
Thanks for the positivity..
Abd your source btw?