OPINION
Javier Hernandez is not a name that West Ham United fans have used in very high regard this season, and rightly so.
The 30-year-old – at some stages this term – has been a shadow of the player that used to tear defences apart when starring for the likes of Manchester United in the past, and it seemed as though things were never going to click for him with the Hammers.
However, he has undergone a mini transformation of late, and he has now racked up eight goals in 25 appearances for the Irons. Not bad for some who has missed quite a few games this season.
According to Claret and Hugh, the Mexican international is set to see out the final year of his contract at the London Stadium, which means that a move does not seem likely to be on the cards this summer. Nevertheless, if he is going to remain at the club, he will need to step up to the plate.
We all know Hernandez’ strengths. Serve him up opportunities in the box, and he will surely give you around 20 goals a season. That has not been happening, hence why his form as not been as good.
If he is going to stick around for at least another year, boss Manuel Pellegrini must utilise him a lot more than he has done this year. The likelihood of Marko Arnautovic and Lucas Perez leaving is very high, and with Andy Carroll’s contract running out, Hernandez may be handed even more responsibility.
The attacker can propel West Ham to the next level if Pellegrini takes advantage of his strengths carefully. There is no reason why he cannot be the prolific striker he once was, right?
Many West Ham fans are not entirely convinced by the Irons star, but he is surely knocking on Pellegrini’s door to start more often after some of his recent displays.
