Garth Crooks picks West Ham 26-year-old in TOTW, explains why he is crucial
By Will Butcher
Garth Crooks has picked Michail Antonio in his Team of the Week after he starred in West Ham’s 3-1 win over Southampton.
The 26-year-old continued his fine form with an eye-catching display against the Saints, as the Hammers continued their resurgent top-flight form by moving into the top half of the table.
Crooks picked his team on BBC Sport’s website, and highlighted the former Nottingham Forest winger’s link-up play with target man Andy Carroll as crucial to the Hammers success.
“This young man has had a very impressive season acknowledged by an international call-up,” Crooks said.
“A manager simply cannot put a value on a player who is available week in, week out and Antonio is one of them. His link-up play with Carroll was a feature Southampton’s downfall.”
Antonio was picked alongside the likes of Chelsea trio Thibaut Courtois, Marcos Alonso and N’Golo Kante, while Hull’s new signing Andrea Ranocchia also made the team.
Antonio currently remains as the Hammers top scorer with eight goals in the Premier League, with Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini in second and third.
Since his move to east London back in the summer of 2015, Antonio has had a hand in 27 goals during his 63 West Ham appearances.
Scoring 17 times himself, Antonio has also provided 10 assists as he continues to prove a bargain following his £7million move from Championship side Forest.
The versatile winger is expected to start for the Hammers on Saturday as they play host to West Brom, with the chance to close the gap on the Premier League’s top eight to just two points.
In other West Ham news, David Gold has revealed the return date of attacker Diafra Sakho.
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