A timid performance at Anfield raises more questions about the future of Sebastien Haller. Yes, it was his first start since lockdown and three games in the Carabao Cup, but you'd expect the basics to be there such as workrate. Jamie Carragher was pretty scathing in his Sky analysis. Seb just doesn't close down defenders in the same way Antonio does and up against a rookie defender in Nat Phillips he didn't impose himself physically at all. Haller did play a role in the moves that led to two chances for Fornals, but apart from that did very little before being subbed.
It's still surprising to me that West Ham would have paid £45 million for a forward without pace. We know he can finish well with overhead kicks and volleys, but for that money you expect the whole package of pace, industry and skill. Moyes' system surely requires a player at the top who is very different to Haller.
Looking at Haller's Bundesliga goals and assists there's definitely a player there, but he's looking like he no longer wants to be at West Ham. Yes, he needs men around him, but he also needs to make things happen himself. Fulham is a vital game for him; if Haller can't produce against one the division's dodgier defences then surely Moyes will be tempted to move him on in favour of a workaholic striker.
2 comments:
He needs a strike partner, or at least a system that plays to his strengths, same as last season.
He does need support which makes me think he'll have trouble playing in the current system of five at the back unless Bowen or Fornals can get a lot closer. His workrate needs to improve as well though - didn't look too interested on Saturday but hope I'm proved wrong.
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