David Martin raved about West Ham teammate Michail Antonio’s quality, when speaking to the Evening Standard on Wednesday night.
The 29-year-old missed three months of the season with a hamstring injury and returned to action against Tottenham two weeks ago.
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He was then the star of the show against Chelsea last weekend, but suffered a groin strain and subsequently missed the Hammers’ midweek clash with Wolves.
It was clear to see just how much West Ham missed their talisman. Antonio’s pace and power offers the Hammers something that they do not otherwise possess.
And Martin highlighted just how important the former Nottingham Forest winger is to the West Ham side, when speaking exclusively to the Evening Standard:
“Sometimes when players do not play, you realise what they do for the team. Since Michail has been injured, you realise what influence he has on games. He can do everything. Sometimes he is not pretty on the eye, but he is a game player and he fights for everything. We are a better team when he is in it. He is so strong and is a real handful.”
Martin is absolutely spot on. The 29-year-old totally transforms West Ham when he plays.
And Manuel Pellegrini will be praying that Antonio is fit to face Arsenal on Monday night.
The Chilean’s job is on the line, and a defeat against the Gunners could spell the end of his time in charge at the London Stadium.
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