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Cottee: Fornals has a point to prove

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Image for Cottee: Fornals has a point to prove

West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals has a “point to prove” against Everton on Saturday, according to Tony Cottee. 

The Spanish 23-year-old has struggled to make a positive impact during his time in England so far, and was something of a surprise inclusion in the Hammers’ starting lineup against the Toffees.

Speaking on Sky Sports News (Saturday October 19th, 11.32am), Cottee was quick to suggest that he needs to make good on his chance.

He said: “The interesting name on the team sheet is Fornals, because he is the one with a point to prove.

“He arrived at the football club, cost a lot of money, hasn’t really played too much football.

“It’s a great opportunity for him.”

OPINION

It’s important to remember with Fornals that he is young, and that he does still have a lot learn. Patience is a necessity for young continental players coming through the ranks in the Premier League, but even with that caveat, West Ham fans could probably have expected a little more from him. So far this term he has averaged just 0.6 key passes and 0.5 successful dribbles per game, as per Whoscored, and has a match rating of just 6.26. Contrast that with his form in the U21 European Championship over the summer, when he averaged a rating of 7.62, and it’s clear that he is performing well below his usual standard. On the other hand though, that form does show that he has something special in his locker, and the hope will be that he can start to show it today against the Blues.

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