Slaven Bilic has insisted he will continue to use star striker Javier Hernandez out of position in order to accommodate Andy Carroll.
The Mexican has been utilised out wide in each of the Hammers’ last three games, and while Slaven Bilic’s side has remained undefeated since the 29-year-olds change of position, many are shocked with the Croatian’s decision to move Hernandez – an out-and-out goalscorer – out wide.
Despite calls for him to play through the middle however, Bilic says he will continue to use the striker as he sees fit.
“OK, he is not playing closest to the opponent’s goal but he is not playing wide, we are basically playing with three strikers.” said Bilic.
“I told him he is a great player who sometimes has to sacrifice for the team. The team needed him in those couple of game and is going to need him again in that position.”
Hernandez has found the net only twice this season, both against Southampton, and is yet to register since moving positions. The Hammers source of goals have been from a mixed bag, with Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang and Andre Ayew all finding the net in recent weeks.
Bilic however remains unworried at the perceived lack of a regular goalscorer.
“We are going to look to put him in his natural position but when we play him in this position he can be very, very useful. As a good professional and a great lad he agrees of course.”
