Darren Bent has shared his verdict on Pablo Fornals’ hard start to life at West Ham United.
The Sky Sports pundit believes that the Spaniard will be questioning himself after moving from Villareal and having to settle for a place on the bench in the majority of Premier League games.
The 23-year-old has only managed to start a couple of games so far, one in the Premier League, and the second against Newport County in the Carabao Cup.
Speaking to Football Insider, Bent commented on the “soul-destroying” situation unfolding in front of his eyes and urged Fornals to take his chance once it is given to him by Manuel Pellegrini.
“It’s about him getting used to it and to be fair, with some of the guys he’s got ahead of him, it’s tough,” he said.
“I know what it’s like when you’re trying to break into the team and the team’s doing okay, it can be a bit soul-destroying.”
“At the same time, you’re wanting to do well but you’re also thinking when am I going to get my opportunity? If he keeps working hard, keeps improving and keeps trying to improve then I’m sure he’ll get his opportunity. When he does he’s got to take it.”
OPINION
Bent is spot on, Fornals may have struggled so far this season, but he must take his opportunity if he ever gets the chance to at the London Stadium. The Spaniard definitely has the ability has highlighted from his time at Villareal, and Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted knowing that he has that sort of quality waiting to come on off the bench. It will always take players time to settle into a new league after playing in the same country since childhood, and Fornals has had his chance to sit back and evaluate the Premier League. The 23-year-old has only averaged 0.5 shots per game so far and completed 0.8 dribbles in each outing according to WhoScored, and the playmaker must start to improve in those two areas if he is to cement his spot in the Hammers’ line up every week. Patience is key, and he shouldn’t worry just yet about not making the team, with his cup performance against Newport highlighting just how good he can be – that is what he must replicate.
