West Ham and strikers. Strikers and West Ham. In the context of recent seasons, the two phrases just don’t go together. In fact, from the 32 strikers the Hammers have signed with David Gold and David Sullivan at the helm, only two have gone on to score more than 20 goals – Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho, who both missed massive portions of 2016/17 due to injury.
In fact, the former David has already admitted signing potent front-men will be at the top of the club’s transfer agenda this summer – although some Irons fans will remember him saying similar things this time last year – recently telling talkSPORT…
“We have got a good defence, we have got good midfielders, we have got good wingers. We need strikers and that is the key to everything for this season so we are focused first and foremost on bringing in two strikers. We have got to find the money. Without strikers, you struggle in the Premier League. You struggle in any division because strikers are your key players.”
Perhaps reacting to those comments, perhaps boasting some genuine insider information, Portuguese publication A Bola claim West Ham are one of the clubs interested in Benfica striker Raul Jimenez along with Liverpool.
As you can see, 2016/17 wasn’t exactly a stellar campaign for the Mexico international, who boasts twelve goals in 52 appearances for his country, having missed 19 games of last season due to injury – which forced him to settle primarily for a spot from the bench.
Nonetheless, Jimenez, who is valued by Transfermarkt at £10.2million, did make some use of the Primeira Liga game-time that came his way, netting seven times – which works out at one goal per 108.9 minutes, not bad a return when you’re coming in and out of the team.
Likewise, a shot accuracy of 62% is very encouraging, meaning Jimenez works the goalkeeper more often than not, whilst his ability in the air is highlighted by the number of aerial duels won, not to mention his 6 foot 3 frame.
So, West Ham fans, is Jimenez the answer to West Ham’s never-ending striker problem? Does your club need to beat Liverpool and any other potential suitors to his signature? Let us know by voting below…
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