OPINION
West Ham must make a move for Zenit and Russia star striker Artem Dzyuba, who is tearing it up for the hosts at this summer’s World Cup.
Dzyuba has been one of the summer tournament’s biggest and best surprises, scoring twice for the hosts Russia during the group stages, as well as tallying an assist.
This should be cause for inspiration for Manuel Pellegrini ahead of his debut season at the London Stadium, as Dzyuba is exactly the player the Hammers need.
The Zenit colossus, who is 6ft 4in tall according to transfermarkt, has flashed in Russia’s counter-attacking unit, which is a system that Pellegrini himself has had success with, winning the Premier League with his deadly Manchester City team.
Dzyuba’s hold up play and prowess from set-pieces has been shown throughout Russia’s first three matches, and this matches the Hammers current situation.
Under David Moyes, West Ham always looked dangerous on a counter attack, with dynamic playmakers Manuel Lanzini and Marco Arnautovic pressing the ball forward.
Yet the striker position has been an area of need for the London based club for a few seasons, and now that issue is yet to be rectified.
Dzyuba represents a potential low-cost option that could serve as an immediate starter, as Javier Hernandez is reportedly unsettled, and Andy Carroll seemingly forgotten.
Despite having played at Zenit for three years, there does not appear to be any loyalties at the club, as it was reported that Dzyuba paid a large sum of his own money to spite Zenit and their former manager Roberto Mancini, following a fallout.
This gives fuel to the fire that Dzyuba is comfortable with a move away, and Pellegrini must look to capitalise.
The 29-year-old is an imposing figure on the pitch, and possesses a wealth of natural strength on the ball, something that West Ham have not seen since Carroll’s earlier days.
Pellegrini must look to secure the Russian, before anymore impressive World Cup performances open up more teams inclined to sign him.