Antonio tipped to hit new heights after West Ham transfer confession – pundit
Michail Antonio has proved his “strong” mentality by welcoming the addition of another striker at West Ham, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted it was “great to hear” the 31-year-old is looking to be “pushed” to new heights by an attacking rival at the London Stadium.
As quoted by the Evening Standard (2 January), Antonio admitted he would “embrace” the competition of a new striker being signed this month.
The Jamaica international suggested another hitman could have taken the load off and given him a “little push” during a barren spell earlier this season.
Hutton admitted players need competition to progress and develop.
As such, he heralded Antonio’s comments on a new striker coming in at West Ham.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It just goes to show you how strong mentally he is that he wants competition. He wants to improve again and become a better player.
“You only do that by somebody else pushing you. Somebody who’s willing to take your possession and is just as good or better makes you perform better.
“You need that week in, week out to be at your best level.
“It just really shows you the type of guy that he is. I think we all know his character and his mentality looking from the outside in. It’s great to hear.”
Antonio has been David Moyes’ first-choice striker all season, scoring nine goals in 22 appearances so far.
Jarrod Bowen has played as a makeshift centre-forward in Antonio’s absence.
In other news, pundit claims West Ham could sign next Antonio amid £18million transfer update.