OPINION
Charlie Nicholas shared he was baffled over how Manuel Pellegrini at times opted to not pick West Ham attacker Michail Antonio after witnessing the attacker feature against Leicester City.
The 29-year-old got on the score sheet in the 2-2 draw with the Foxes and it seems the Sky Sports pundit was so impressed by his display, he questioned why the player wasn’t always called upon.
In fact Nicholas even acknowledged that while Antonio is clumsy, with his strength and pace then Pellegrini is better off using him then losing him.
“Antonio with a powerful header as found himself on the back post against Chilwell and there was only going to be one winner, and boy did he get some power on it,” said Nicholas on Soccer Saturday (17:22, Saturday April 20th).
“It was a lovely cross that came into him and it was a devastating header, he does so much for West Ham, he is a little bit clumsy at times and gives the ball away cheaply.
“But his strength, his willingness to get forward is a big plus and I don’t know why they leave him out of the team so often, I would always be encouraged by that strength and that pace that you’re better using him then losing him.”
Nicholas is spot on to be baffled over Pellegrini’s use of Antonio as the 29-year-old winger should be seen as a guaranteed starter at the club.
The Hammers attacker may have started the season in patchy form and showed signs that he was still struggling to overcome injury problems that ruined his 2017/18 campaign, but in recent months he has been back to his best.
Antonio may not be the most clinical attacker but he regularly carves open his opponents due to his blistering pace and his ability to use his strength is often too much for defenders.
With him in the team, the Hammers always look more formidable as there is never a game where he doesn’t give 100%.
Antonio hadn’t completed 90 minutes in a game since the February clash with Manchester City ahead of facing the Foxes on Saturday, and aside from injury keeping him out against Chelsea, it’s odd why his minutes have been limited.
Hopefully Pellegrini catches Nicholas’ remarks and Antonio is regularly featuring from now until the end of the season.