💥 A short thread, amid the huge
#WHUFC
Gianluca Scamacca hype, to recognise the incredible job Michail Antonio has done since Sebastien Haller left in Jan 2021.
For 18 months, he has stood tall as the club's only senior striker & played 47 games in all comps (3,912 minutes)...
last season - double what he was able to play in 2019/20 and 2020/21 combined. That's pretty immense and a huge credit to his work ethic and the work of David Moyes' staff, if you ask me.
He also scored 13 goals and contributed 11 assists, many of which came at crucial times...
and he shouldered the responsibility of leading the line at home and in Europe - West Ham's first venture into proper continental competition for an absolute bloody eternity.
His goals and overall impact in the second half of the season faded, sure, but...
that should not detract from how Antonio has held things together. He's also made better players of those around him, namely Jarrod Bowen - whose game is flourishing because of Antonio's style of play.
Scamacca will be a very welcome addition and it's great (as a fan)...
to see West Ham investing in a player with so much talent and promise. But amid all the hype and excitement, please let's not forget that Michail Antonio has carried an awful lot of weight on the journey.
(He also won't give up his place that easy!) ⚒️
@Toby_Cudworth
We’ve always appreciated him. He just needs help and support, which he now has. I’m sure we will see and even better player now
@Michailantonio
@Toby_Cudworth
@WHUgameday
100% agreed. That doesn’t mean we don’t need options/alternative’s to change a game when it clearly isn’t working with MA up front.
@Toby_Cudworth
Antonio is a great asset for this club but he is not a striker, he is always pulls to the wing as that's his natural game and that is where he is at his best, especially in full beast mode. I think we will see the best of him again as soon as we get a proper striker
@Toby_Cudworth
He’s been brilliant for us & what he brings the team means for me he still starts, just out on the LW, his finishing is not good enough for a main striker.
We still needed another striker at least.
Option to rotate & rest Antonio & he will be brilliant next season
@Toby_Cudworth
Great thread, I remember when Antonio battled into the team. Got Moses place off of him and never looked back. Incredible player that has always fought for the shirt on his back.
@Toby_Cudworth
You are right on every aspect of Antonio’s commitment and achievements. Now is the time he has a partner and they form a formidable team together. Antonio’s speed on one wing and his crossing ability, also compliment support and push Bowen to another level. Antonio is a legend.