Manuel Lanzini should look at Pablo Fornals’ increased productivity in the final third in order to aid his efforts to usurp him.
On the chalkboard
The Argentinian is still on his way back to the first-team from injury, having played 124 minutes across West Ham United’s last three Premier League games.
However, there is no guarantee that he will come straight back into the starting lineup, considering the improvements Pablo Fornals has made in his absence.
With this considered, Lanzini could benefit by taking lessons from what the Spaniard has applied to his game in recent times, in order to ensure that he can surpass him and be reinstated as an integral part of the team.
Watch West Ham United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Improving end product
The main trait of this is how prolific Fornals has become in the final third, which has likely come as a byproduct of his rejuvenated confidence levels.
A disparity between their productivity in front of goal can be highlighted by the 2-0 win against Gillingham, in which Fornals came on in the 70th minute, going on to assist Pablo Zabaleta for the opener, then adding a goal of his own.
How much do you remember about football in 2019? Our quiz will test your knowledge…
In contrast, Lanzini managed three dribbles against the League One opposition but produced just one shot and no key passes.
The Argentinian is a definite threat, but Fornals’ superior production rate also translates to the Premier League, despite less attacking influence in general play, as shown by the statistics below.
All of Fornals’ Premier League goals and assists for the Hammers have come in his last seven games for the club, indicating just how rapid an improvement he has made since setting up Aaron Cresswell against Chelsea.
Lanzini has far superior statistics in the buildup phase of attacks, recording 1.2 more key passes and 1.5 more dribbles per game, but is still yet to score any goals.
If he is able to add the prolific streak that Fornals has developed, the Argentinian will surely be able to force his way back into the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, one West Ham man may have influenced David Moyes’ thinking with his performance against Gillingham.
