Moyes urged to boost West Ham ranks with star who ‘could be the answer’
Noel Whelan feels West Ham need a striker in January to help struggling Michail Antonio and has backed the club’s pursuit of Sparta Prague star Adam Hlozek.
The Hammers have enjoyed an excellent first half of the season and been mixing it with the big boys. However, in the top four for many weeks, they have now slipped to fifth after a run of just one win in six league outings. David Moyes side has slipped below Arsenal while Manchester United and Tottenham are also lurking.
Scoring goals has become a problem. The East End outfit have notched only five in their last six league games.
And three of those came in victory over Chelsea on December 4. Antonio continues to plough a lone furrow up front.
Moyes has yet to replace Sebastien Haller despite the obvious need for striking reinforcements. The Jamaica international has bagged six top-flight goals for the Irons in 2021-2022.
However, he has not found the net since October 24. And that is the reason why former Leeds striker Whelan has urged the Scottish tactician to take action.
“It’s very hard to be consistent all the way through the season. Moyes will have known there was going to be a dip somewhere this season,” he told Football Insider.
“He’ll be hoping this is it and it’s just going to last two to three games. I think, sometimes, this tells you that maybe you need a fresh face in January. Just to strengthen in certain areas and help out Michail Antonio.
“When strikers are going through that little bit of a sticky patch, sometimes it’s nice to have that help from somebody else. A fresh face, someone else that can contribute, take a bit of pressure off your shoulders.”
Hlozek has big-name suitors
The link to West Ham is obvious, with major shareholder Daniel Kretinsky president of Sparta Prague. But Liverpool have also been linked, with Jurgen Klopp said to be a big fan.
It remains to be seen if the Reds do make a move as they appear well stocked in the attacking areas of the pitch. Many forwards have been linked to the London Stadium. Hlozek is the latest.
While primarily a winger, the 19-year-old can also operate as a central striker. And Whelan believes the youngster may be the man to go for.
“They maybe need to dip into the market. Bring in a fresh face, liven things up again in that changing room,” he added.
“If they do manage Hlozek over the line, then that will give that help to Antonio that he desperately needs as well. He could be the answer that they’re looking for.”
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