The Hammers made Scotland international Robert Snodgrass, their 2nd winter transfer arrival a few days ago, with the 29-year-old switching Hull City for West Ham in a three-and-a-half-year deal worth £10.2million. This is following Slaven Bilic’s desire to beef up his squad as they aim to finish high on the log following a shaky start to their Premier League campaign.
The north London club currently lies in 10th place on the log after 22 games, having won 8 games, drawn 4 and lost 10. Having added Fonte from Southampton to add steel to a defence that has shipped more goals (36) than any other side in the top half, getting someone able to help put things in proper shape at the other end of the pitch is necessary, hence Snodgrass’ signing.
West Ham have sold Payet – the creator of most chances (72) for the club and in the Premier League thus far to Marseille, and in the former Hull City player, they might have found a perfect and like-for-like replacement considering the quality he possesses and how brilliant his personal campaign has been in 2016-17.
The Scottish midfielder cum forward had the most goals (7), assists (3), chances created (45) & shots (39) for Hull City in 20 games in the current Premier League campaign, and the Tigers’ loss is definitely West Ham’s gain.
While his versatility would come handy with him able to play on both wings and through the middle, Snodgrass has been predominantly deployed on the right for much of his career, but would likely occupy the left at West Ham with Antonio having already made the right midfield berth permanently his.
He is one of the most excellent free kick specialists in the Premier League, and he would definitely be taking up that duty for the Hammers henceforth. He is also superb with the corner kicks, and the likes of Antonio and Carroll would get to benefit a lot from his pinpoint crosses.
The former Leeds United and Norwich City player can finally attain the peak of his career in a side with fellow quality players. He was once scouted and courted by Barcelona during his years in the Football League, however, he failed his trials with the Spanish team. But he hasn’t stopped developing his game ever since and has grown to become one the British’s most skilful player.
Unlike Payet who has always come under criticism all his career for his lack of defensive contributions, Snodgrass actually helps out his teammates very often with his tackles. His finishing and long-range efforts make him quite a goal threat on his own, and he is known to effortlessly split defence open with his passes.
A hard worker and highly energetic player, the 29-year-old would definitely become a fans favourite at the Olympic Stadium in no time, and he definitely can help the club finish in the Europa League spots at the end of the season. Landing him for £10.2million is actually a steal, as this late bloomer has at least 4 years of top notch quality football in his legs.
He could turn out to be one of West Ham best signings in recent years, and a debut awaits him against Manchester City come Wednesday. It would surely be the start of greater things for both player, and club whatever the eventually result is. Snodgrass is poised to be the next best thing that will happen to West Ham.
Au revoir Payet!!!