Why Crystal Palace must sign Michail Antonio from West Ham United
Crystal Palace are keen on signing winger Michail Antonio from West Ham United, who are willing to sell the player for more than £15m. The 28-year-old seems to have impressed new Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini but the club needs funds after its expansive summer spree.
With Wilfried Zaha’s future in doubt, manager Roy Hodgson is in need of a winger who can make runs in behind and concurrently be a goal-scoring threat, and Antonio fits in that bill perfectly. Injury issues aside, he is a fantastic player who has the abilities to replace Zaha if need be.
Here’s why Palace must sign him to add a valuable threat to their forward line:
Player Analysis – Michail Antonio
Antonio is a very unique winger in the sense that he is physically bulky but possess fantastic pace to run past defenders with ease, having a dribble rate of 2.4 per game in the league. One of his strengths is his aerial threat and runs in behind the fullback.
The 28-year-old has the propensity to play anywhere on the wings, and exhibit a similar impact. He looks like a “Rolls-Royce” running with the ball and simultaneously shrugging off defenders to protect the possession.
In Roy Hodgson’s primary 4-4-1-1 system, Antonio can play as a right-winger or as a support striker to be a nuisance for the centre-backs. If Zaha leaves, the Englishman can be deployed in wide areas, with a license to move forward with the ball and be an outlet for counter-attacks by exhibiting blistering pace.
Verdict
In terms of playing style, there isn’t much difference between West Ham and Crystal Palace, as both teams like to defend deep and play on the break. Antonio was a threat in the Hammers’ attack, which will get transferred to the Eagles if they manage to snap him up.
With the signings West Ham are making, there isn’t much chance of the player getting regular playing time at the London Stadium.
Hence, moving to Selhurst Park and working with a manager who thrives on unleashing players of high potential will be a sensible idea. It is a situation where all the three parties will be happy with the deal, seldom does that happen.
Stats Courtesy: Squawka
