The English Premier League has become one of the world’s most competitive competitions. Some of the top clubs have grown from strength to strength. They have a huge fan base all over the world. This has been a positive for the club, especially regarding growth. As the competition is getting tougher, clubs are also building from strength to strength.
West Ham United are one such club. They haven’t won the league in years but a recent European triumph was enough to lift the spirit of the fans. The Hammers had a decent season last time. They were unable to perform at their best. Now, they have a new manager and he has added some big names.
The Hammers have struggled in front of the goal. To improve their scoring rate, West Ham purchased Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund and Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United. Fullkrug has shown his abilities for the German national team and Dortmund. Summerville, on the other hand, had an outstanding season with Leeds United. The Hammers spent more than £50m to buy these two players. Can these two take West Ham to the top? Let’s have a look at what Julen Lopetegu can expect from their new signings.
Championship’s Player of the Season
West Ham United did well to sign the best player from the EFL Championship 2023-24 season. Crysencio Summerville was a key performer in Leeds United’s path to the playoffs. He played in 45 games. Summerville has played in the Premier League before and is just 22.
His pizza chart shows that the player was at the top of the rankings in the attacking department. Summerville’s passing was also up to the mark.
The opposition defenders are set to have a tough time facing Summerville. The 22-year-old likes to take on defenders and has a high dribble success rate. He likes to make full use of the width of the field. With Jarred Bowen playing on the other side, both players can create a dominating partnership on the wings.
One thing that will excite the fans is Summerville’s ability to contribute towards scoring goals. Crysencio can deliver crosses and can deliver set pieces. His scoring areas are a bit similar, making him a threat to any right-back.
The German target man
Niclas Fullkrug has made a name for himself in Germany. He took Borussia Dortmund to the UEFA Champions League finals. Fullkrug was also a part of the national team in the European Championship. He had a decent scoring rate last season and is also a threat in the air.
Fullkrug is also a goal-scorer and creator. He is a menace inside the opposition penalty box. The height advantage allows Fullkrug to beat any defence in the air. His strength is also a big positive. On occasions, Fullkrug can hold the ball and contribute with an assist or two.
With his arrival, Michail Antonio’s game time will be cut short. Antonio has led the line for the past 4-5 seasons. Antonio is more of a runner, while Fullkrug is a proper No. 9. With the likes of Summerville, Bowen and Paqueta in the squad, Fullkrug will create more threat in the air.
A new partnership
Both new signings are expected to play regular football. Summerville will be a key from the left and Fullkrug will be the main scorer. Both players can score goals. The shot map indicates that defenders are going to have a tough time.
The creativity of these two and the strength of Fullkrug can create one-two-one plays between the two. This partnership can prove to be handy for the Hammers. Lopetegui will have high expectations from them.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine