Manuel Pellegrini’s time at West Ham may have brought a few positives, with wins against Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea the obvious things that will be looked back on with fondness, but for the most part, things were turgid, and some of the signings mirrored that.
One signing that the Irons have not had a chance to see much of is the Swiss striker Albian Ajeti, who at the young age of just 22-years-old, has made his way from FC Basel to the Premier League and has failed to hit the ground running, making just nine appearances for the Hammers so far (Transfermarkt).
The young forward, despite failing to make a dent on the current West Ham side under Pellegrini, posted some very impressive numbers when he was plying his trade in Switzerland alongside Ricky van Wolfswinkel in a two-man strike force.
In Ajeti’s final season with Basel, he racked up an incredible 21 goals and 11 assists in just 43 games (Transfermarkt), and that prompted the Irons to sign him late in the summer window for £8m (BBC), although under Pellegrini he failed to shine, and now he should get another chance.
The lack of support that Sebastien Haller was receiving when he was playing the lone striker role for the Hammers under Pellegrini spoke volumes, and now the Irons are getting players up and around the Frenchman he’s been finding the net more regularly, so what’s to say the same won’t be the case for Ajeti.
Should Haller and Ajeti start together?
Absolutely, two up front!
Absolutely not, it wouldn't work!
Writing off the young forward would be a foolish move from the Hammers. Moyes should surely be set to give him another go, and whilst it might not have come in the FA Cup, you’d imagine Moyes would have to give the striker a chance at some point between now and the summer.
