'I actually rate him' - Exclusive: Robinson bigs up West Ham player fans are destroying

Paul Robinson has backed Sebastien Haller to "come good" for West Ham despite his recent dip in form. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-England international emphasised how highly he rates the Frenchman, and claimed that he has all the tools needed to become a real success in east London.

Haller started the season at a canter, hitting three goals in his first three matches in England, but has slowed considerably since, scoring just three more in 19 further outings.

He has come in for widespread criticism of late from West Ham fans claiming the club massively overspent on their £45m record signing.

Despite this, Robinson has suggested that he still has faith in the target man's potential to become an integral player for David Moyes' side.

"I thought he was fantastic in his first few games," he told Football Insider.

"He’s only 25, he adapted to the Premier League very quickly. I think he’s got, what, six goals already this year?

"But he’s played well in the first half a dozen games or so, and then his form has dipped, which has coincided with the team’s form dipping as well.

"I actually rate him, I think he’s a good player, I think he’s a top striker, and I think he will come good for West Ham."

Haller drew yet another blank in the Hammers' 1-0 FA Cup defeat to West Brom on Saturday afternoon, and hasn't found the back of the net in a claret and blue shirt since the New Year's Day demolition of Bournemouth - Moyes' first game back in charge at the London Stadium.

In spite of his relatively barren run in front of goal, however, the 25-year-old continues to make his presence felt in other ways for the Irons, and has won more aerial duels than any other player in the Premier League so far this season.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers have submitted a seven-figure, new & improved bid for ace to replace senior man.