Trevor Sinclair heaped praise on West Ham attacker Michail Antonio ahead of the clash with Tottenham on Saturday.
The former Hammers player shared it was a “massive plus” that the winger could feature against Spurs as he suggested the Englishman could help Sebastien Haller upfront.
Sinclair praised Antonio’s quickness and explosive style of play before claiming that if a player couldn’t physically deal with him, then he always gets the better of them.
“There’s one massive plus point, well a couple but Antonio being back,” said Sinclair on talkSPORT (17:29, Friday, November 22nd).
“When I watch West Ham they do look a lightweight, and although Haller is a big guy up top, he isn’t someone who is going to really put himself about, he can hold the ball up, but when you’re talking Antonio he is pure power.
“He is quick, explosive, direct and if you can’t form a genetic point of view can’t deal with him in a battle, he’s going to get the better of you.
“He can penetrate down them wings, and if he does that, then Haller will get those opportunities to stick the ball away.”
OPINION
Sinclair should have his fingers crossed as he seems to be pinning all his hopes on Antonio when it comes to the chances of West Ham getting one over Tottenham on Saturday, as it’s no guarantee the winger will feature. Claret & Hugh reported on Wednesday that Antonio, alongside Mark Noble and Jack Wilshere, will undergo a fitness test ahead of the showdown with Spurs, and suggested that the winger may not be risked in the match. The 29-year-old featured three times in the Premier League before getting injured, and the club clearly don’t want to throw Antonio back into the side too quickly as there’s a real chance he could end up back in the medical room. However, if he ends up passing the fitness test with flying colours and there’s no real risk to playing him against Spurs, then Manuel Pellegrini should unleash him. Antonio could boost the club’s attacking presence, he has averaged an impressive 1.7 shots per game this season (Source: WhoScored), and could easily be a matchwinner for his side, just like he was the last time the Hammers faced Spurs.
