Modibo Maiga has been on a goal drought since he added the third in a fantastic comeback versus Chelsea on December 1st 2012. For a striker to go over a year without a goal, is a really poor showing.
However, I personally see potential in Maiga, when he is chosen. He is hardly a target man, however, is usually forced to play that particular role. However, the 6ft forward has the third highest aerials won per game ratio in the Premier League. He sits just behind two fellow forwards, in the shape of Peter Crouch and Christian Benteke (all of whom, are far from prolific this season).
For a man who is so often out-numbered, he does a good job in getting knock downs and also takes the ball down on his chest regularly, which is a good way of shaking of centre halves, who are accepting his aerial wins, as there is no one to flick onto regularly.
This shows that Modibo is an intelligent player, and once he realises that knock-ons aren’t going to bring much success with two centre halves marking him, he changes his style and changes to hold up play. This shows a certain bit of class, and if he can grab any old goal, then a confidence boost may occur.
I feel that a confidence boost is all Modibo needs. Once he realises what a goal feels like again, he can replicate his goal rate for Sochaux. I think he shows a good amount of ability, and a certain amount of promise. He is rarely the worst performer in a poor performing squad.
He doesn’t have long however, as Andy Carroll is back in training and January transfer window is fast approaching. I know that most West Ham fans can’t appreciate hard work from a striker if they’re producing no goals, and I so hope that he manages to bag a goal in any which way, to hopefully get the fans to believe.
The hard work that Modibo puts in towards the cause can sometimes go unnoticed. For example, against Fulham, he worked hard and got West Ham in a good position to go on and take the three points. However, Carlton Cole comes off the bench and bags a goal, and takes all the plaudits. And of course, that’s how it should be for a striker.
Give me something, Modibo. I believe in your ability.
Maybe if they played Carlton Cole up front, and Maiga behind him he might flourish, he played behind the Front Striker at Sochaux, and scored 29 goals in 59 appearances
We are back to the unending debate of players put out of position. This is the case with Maiga. However, let’s acknowledge he has had many easy goal chances, and hasn’t been able to finish the business once. That is upsetting and we just cannot keep on playing him just to try to get his confidence back if he keeps on missing every single opportunity. For that matter, try Lee and play with him in combinations on the floor. You’ll see how it works !
I think maiga I miss understood by many, he may not be the fastest forward but by no means is he slow . He has the ability to take players on wiv boy at his feet and has a strong header on him to. I like maiga but he needs to play in the right formation.i was not happy at letting cole go at start of season but should we have got him back after soon long? He hasn’t shown the best of form or fitness so let cole n petric go bring in another loan plus a half decent striker on a permanent deal. Remy and maiga what a strike force that would be, drop Nolan n play two up top.
Maiga is definitely the best forward we have available at present, he is a second striker and could work well off Andy Carroll. A big no from me for playing Maiga off Carlton. Trouble is Nolan occupies this role, so Maiga doesn’t fit Sam’s system. How about a short term out of retirement contract for Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst in January.
If Maiga was played in the right system he would score goals guaranteed. Unfortunately we have an idiot a our manager.