Dimitri Payet got all the plaudits last season, winning the West Ham Player of the Season award. However, he was given a close run for his money by the other breakout star, Michail Antonio. Indeed, there was something quite incredible and charming about Antonio’s rise to prominence.
He spent much of his time in the lower leagues, before being snapped up from Nottingham Forrest by the Hammers. Originally thought of as a squad player, he soon forced himself into the first team. The winger was one of West Ham’s main attacking outlets, scoring 11 goals overall.
So good was his form that he was even in contention for an England call-up. The fact that he was not a part of England’s disastrous campaign is probably a massive blessing. He comes into this season fresh, fit and unblemished.
There’s just one problem, though. Last season Slaven Bilic often insisted on using Antonio as an experimental right-back. He has indicated that his long-term plan is to convert Antonio into a full-back. As much as I love Bilic, I think he has got it wrong on this occasion. Antonio must be played in his natural position.
Wasted talent
Antonio was in blistering form when played in his usual right-sided midfield position, or further up as an attacking midfielder. In 16 appearances as a winger, he scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists. This came with several match winning performances, including a crucial goal against Tottenham at Upton Park.
Indeed, he seems to have all the attributes of a class winger: pace, a high work rate, strength, good crossing, and an eye for goal.
His inclusion half way through the season really seemed to give the team an extra edge. He also developed an excellent partnership with striker Andy Carroll.
Defensive deficiencies
In contrast, Antonio’s performances as a full-back were more mixed. More often than not he was competent. His work ethic and ability to intercept balls allowed him to provide adequate cover.
However, he was frequently found out, especially against more sophisticated attacks. In his games against Manchester United in the FA Cup, Antonio looked uncomfortable. He struggled with positioning, and found himself bamboozled by Martial.
His defensive errors were also partly responsible for West Ham’s defeat to Swansea on the final day of the season. As it was, the game did not end up depriving West Ham of a Europa League place. However, it could have turned out to be incredibly costly.
Our main problem last season was defensive. We showed the ability to score goals, but on too many occasions this was undone by defensive naiveté. In order to progress this season, Bilic must settle on a solid back line.
What about Sam Byram?
Byram is the forgotten man in this. He arrived in January from Leeds, heralded as a hot prospect and the answer to West Ham’s right-back problems.
He did start promisingly. However, Byram was unlucky with injuries and eventually found himself below Antonio in the right-back pecking order. Bilic did not seem to want to gamble on the young man.
This season, though, Byram must be given the chance to own that right-back berth. There is no doubt that he is one of the most talented young full-backs in the country. He is a classy defender with good attacking instincts.
Byram needs a run of games, but he is surely the natural candidate, especially now that Jenkinson has gone back to Arsenal and Tomkins has departed for Crystal Palace.
If the truth is that Bilic simply does not rate Byram, then he must bite the bullet and bring in an accomplished right-back in the transfer market.
Whatever the case, Antonio must be free to unleash his attacking menace higher up the pitch. With Feghouli arriving as well, he could form part of a frightening attacking midfield outfit.
