Paul Merson has heaped praise on West Ham forward Michail Antonio, describing him as a ‘handful’.
The 28-year-old crowned the Hammers’ 3-1 win over Fulham on Friday night with an injury time strike, and former Arsenal man Merson was quick to point out his importance to the Irons’ side.
Speaking on Soccer Saturday (Saturday February 23rd, Sky Sports News, 12pm), he said: “I thought he went off the radar for a bit before, because he was their best player the other season.
“He is a handful when he gets going. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick, he’s direct – he is a handful. I thought he lost his way a bit if I’m being honest, but he’s bounced back now.
“He plays with confidence as well, even when the pressure’s on. He seems to be the one who wants the ball and gets hold of it, and he can get a goal as well. He’s done really well.”
OPINION
Antonio seems to slip under the radar quite a bit. Surrounded by players as enigmatic as Marko Arnautovic and Felipe Anderson, the Englishman can sometimes feel like the less exciting option, but there is no doubting how much of an impact he can have for West Ham when he is fit and firing. Antonio is a proven goalscorer with pace to burn and a remarkable knack for popping up on the penalty spot and burying headers. He may not be in the side every week, but he probably should be, and when you look at the uncertainty surrounding certain other members of the squad, there’s no reason why he can’t be one of the first names on Manuel Pellegrini’s team sheet. He might have missed his calling with the national side, but at a club level, Antonio can be a lethal player for years to come, and will remain an unsung hero for the Hammers.