Amalfitano joined West Ham in the summer for an undisclosed fee. The French international had already played in the Premier League, representing West Bromwich Albion on loan from Marseille, but despite an outstanding goal against Manchester United he didn’t set the world alight.
Scoring just four goals last season wasn’t the return Amalfitano was hoping for and it appeared neither were West Brom or Marseille. The latter decided to offload him this summer and West Ham United were there to snap him up. At the time I personally wasn’t sure whether it was a good move or not. Now, I am convinced that it was a great bit of business.
For a few years West Ham United have been quite a predictable side. This season the style of play has often improved with better attacking movement and passing options. Amalfitano offers another dimension to our attack with a highly skilful and technical approach. He is a player who can wriggle out of a tricky situation and create space for himself on the ball, and for others, in an instant and is the type of player that we haven’t had for a while.
As well as technical ability, he scores goals. These goals have been highly important and come at crucial times too with his opener against City and his goal to clinch the game against Liverpool. Coming off the bench Amalfitano can offer something instantly. Too often in recent weeks when we have been lacking a cutting edge going forward, Amalfitano has been the name on everybody’s lips to bring on and create something. And the majority of the time he has delivered. Classy finishes, attacking flair and technical brilliance, Amalfitano is a player that I love to watch. He’s magic you know.
