One of David Moyes’ biggest tasks right now is to try and get the best out of Sebastien Haller. Here are two ways he can do just that.
On the chalkboard
West Ham’s 3-1 victory against Southampton last weekend was huge, but they are far from out of trouble. They are still in 16th place in the Premier League table, level on points with 18th position and the relegation zone.
They will need to continue to perform from now until the end of the season, and the display of record signing Sebastien Haller could play a big part in that.
The Frenchman has scored just seven goals in 26 matches to date in the Premier League, but when he is at his best, so is the rest of the team – he has netted in five of the Hammers’ seven wins this term in the top flight.
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How to get the best out of Haller
The 25-year-old was signed by Eintracht Frankfurt last season off the back of a stunning campaign in Germany. In 41 matches, he scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists, helping the Bundesliga outfit reach the Europa League semi-finals in the process.
For the German side, he usually formed part of a two up front along with Luka Jovic. The Serbia international scored 27 goals and provided seven assists himself, with the now Real Madrid forward playing fantastically off the former Utrecht striker. A little-and-large forward line may not be as fashionable as it once was, but Haller and Jovic were lethal – with options such as Michail Antonio and now Jarrod Bowen, this is certainly something Moyes could implement.
Frankfurt also used wing-backs throughout the season, with arguably the most dangerous being Filip Kostic. He averaged 1.4 crosses per game, racking up six goals and 10 assists overall as an attacking left wing-back in the Bundesliga. Da Costa, on the other side, managed four himself as Adi Hutter made full use of a 3-4-1-2 formation.
West Ham, meanwhile, have been far more rigid in their use of a back four. Aaron Cresswell has the potential to cause offensive threat – he managed seven assists in one campaign a couple of years ago and has three goals to his name this term – but he is restricted in the formation Moyes plays, averaging just 0.7 crosses per match.
In Germany, Haller excelled, and the huge £45m fee West Ham paid means that he is a player they need to build the team around. If Moyes were to try these two changes to his side, it may be the inspiration his centre-forward is looking for.
Elsewhere, West Ham should make another move for this former Manchester City forward.
