Last season, it looked pretty much certain that Modibo Maiga would leave the club and never return again. Fast forward to the summer of 2015 and he’s back at West Ham after a reasonably successful loan spell at French side Metz, despite their relegation to Ligue 2.
David Gold has recently stated that the Mali international will get his chance under new boss Slaven Bilic this season. This will probably anger some fans as Maiga simply hasn’t proven his worth since being at West Ham. His only real highlights include a rather special solo goal against Southampton and a well-taken header against Tottenham in the Capital One Cup.
Although these are memorable goals, there have been performances where Maiga was more of a passenger than anything else, which was the main reason as to why he was shipped out to Queens Park Rangers in 2014. He scored once for the London club but never really cemented a place in the side, appearing just eight times.
The intriguing thing about Maiga is that there is potential, there must have been a glimmer of ability for the Hammers to sign him in the first place. He will never be a prolific goalscorer but a back-up striker in a season that is sure to be long and strenuous he could be.
He was often played up front on his own under Sam Allardyce and this never looked like working. Perhaps a potential second-string partnership could form with the Hammers benefitting from it but a lot will depend on what Bilic thinks when he sees the 27-year-old in action.
If Mauro Zarate is getting another chance, it makes sense to see if Maiga does have anything to offer. Many fans will be haunted by his rather poor displays in a West Ham shirt by a new style of play and a new manager may be the boost both the club and Maiga himself may need.
Also, when you look at the stats of Maiga compared to West Ham’s main strikers last season, his return may not be a bad thing after all:
Maiga did well last season compared to West Ham’s main strikers. Image courtesy of squawka.com
Should Maiga be given another chance? Comment below
Maiga didn’t fare too well under Sam – however he did at times show glimpses of a player who could make the grade – I am pretty much convinced the reason he didn’t do well is because he didn’t fit into the system Sam played him in – he isn’t a lone striker or a target man and isn’t suited out wide, he works well with the ball at his feet playing across the front line in a system of attacking football which is why I think he will work well under Bilic – he also doesn’t get enough credit for his ability in the air – i think he can create good depth at the club, and seeing as hes already here we have one less player to look for, although I still think we will need another addition to the front line to fill the gap – another goal scorer in the mould of Sakho would be ideal – tbh I though Ba would have been perfect to fill that hole for the next couple of seasons. COYI
Apparently it seems easier to blame BS for just about everything especially now he has departed.
And don’t get me wrong there was much to find disagreement with under his time at the club.
However imo both Mogadon and zarate have had every opportunity to prove their worth and simply for whatever reason have failed to take it.
The lack of success that both these players have had whilst out on loan would appear to bare this theory out.
Neither have been a roaring success whilst out on loan.
Do they deserve another chance? Imo no. If they get one they should consider themselves very lucky indeed.
At the end of the day sulking and acting like children is no way to conduct one selves at a prem club.
Not blaming Sam for everything Phil – honestly i would tell you i didnt think it was a good idea to replace him this season, as much as that comment would displease many imo Sam has done a great job getting WH to where we are now and under circumstances that would have left many managers found wanting – i actually thought he would get another 2 years to see us into the OS before any changes were made – he only got one summer of decent spending and great signings that lifted the quality available in the squad, and for half that season they did well, second half went pear shaped but whilst Sam imo went too defensive in his tactics because we had injuries and players missing some responsibility has to go with the players lack of form, although there were still a few gamnes we could have taken more out of and made our finish somewhat more tasteful – still here we are with Bilic and we move onto another era, and with regard Maiga and Zarate given we have a long hard season and need depth its logical to see why they get their second chance, we may be spending a bit more this season but we still cant break the bank and its doubtful were those two put up for sale we would get much anyway, even if we could get them to take a drop in wages to move in the first place – neither are going to be playing a huge role but it will be interesting to see how they go under Bilic, they may not be long term players but if we can at least raise their pedigree to a greater degree than what it currently stands we might actually be able to get a half decent return if we sell them in the future. Looking forward to a great new season none the less. COYI