West Han United have announced the signing of twenty-three year old Spaniard Pablo Fornals from Villarreal.

The BBC have stated that The Hammers have tied the player down to a five year deal and will pay an initial £24m for Fornals.

The player himself told the club’s website that he was happy to be doing the Premier League outfit:

“I feel very good, very happy, and very grateful for the opportunity and to be part of West Ham,”

So what should the West Ham faithful expect from their latest signing?

Well Pablo is a creative playmaker who can play as a number ten, as a central midfielder or on either wing. I think he’s best suited as an attacking central midfielder and was at his most influential in that position for Villarreal.

West Ham played in a 4-2-3-1 formation ten times in the league in manager Manuel Pellegrini’s debut season, that could become the norm now the Chilean has Fornals in his squad.

He’s a player that has a keen eye for a key pass and can usually spot a great through ball into the forwards. Fornals also possesses good close control and isn’t scared to dribble the ball through the opposition’s half. The Spaniard is also able to keep calm in high pressured situations and has the ability to keep the ball in those tough areas too. He is an intelligent star who uses that intelligence to create for teammates.

I have no doubts that the younger attacking threat would’ve learned a lot from spending the past twelve months playing alongside Santi Cazorla and that should help him as he gets ready for life in England.

Even though he has a flamboyant and creative side, the Spanish international isn’t scared of tracking back and will work hard for his team. He possesses a durability that could be important in the Premier League.

According to Whoscored, only two players created more chances than Pablo’s twenty-six in last season’s Europa League.

The youngster played in fifty games for his club side during the last campaign, scoring five and creating six assists. He also made two appearances for the Spanish national side.

There could be a question mark about his physical style as he’s a bit slight but the English top flight is becoming more continental in style and the rough and tumble hasn’t hampered the likes of David Silva or Bernardo Silva.

Personally I think West Ham United have signed a possible gem in Pablo Fornals. If the playmaker is allowed to flourish in the number ten role then he can make the Hammers more fluid in attack and get the ball into the final third in a much quicker fashion, that will certainly suit Pellegrini’s style.

 

Posted on June 14th, 2019 by scott
Filed under: Article