Javier Hernandez makes his feelings on Manuel Pellegrini clear after difficult time at West Ham

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Javier Hernandez could be playing his football for Valencia right now but he is still at West Ham United.

The Mexican striker has endured a difficult time since signing for the Hammers back in 2017.

West Ham fans truly believed they had finally landed the top class finisher they had craved for years.

But 14 goals in 56 appearances tells a different story.

In Chicharito’s defence many of those have been has sub. And just as many – particularly early on under Slaven Bilic – have seen him played out of position.

From back-up to back in

This season Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer has found himself either out injured or sat on the bench as back-up to star striker Marko Arnautovic.

The Austrian’s China transfer saga has changed all that, though.

Since the January speculation Arnautovic has barely featured for West Ham.

In his absence Hernandez has established himself as first choice forward for Pellegrini.

The goals have not been flowing but Hernandez’s all round performances, attitude and general play have been markedly improved.

Hernandez winning back Hammers hearts and minds

Some fans had grown tired of seeing the striker throwing his hands up in a huff, failing to chase down a pass or shaking his head in disapproval when substituted.

But Hernandez has looked more focused and respectful of his manager and teammates of late.

That is after a mooted January move to Valencia failed to materialise (talkSPORT).

There is no animosity from Hernandez towards Pellegrini, though, after the striker thanked his manager in an interview with West Ham’s official website.

Hernandez hails Pellegrini

“I want to thank the boss and all his staff because I’m trying to be in my best shape,” Hernandez told whufc.com.

“I hadn’t scored that much, but I (was fouled for) a penalty (against Newcastle), they have given me their trust and the most important thing is that the team is getting the results.

“That’s the great thing about internal competition, we’re all fighting for a starting spot, we all want to play as much as possible and now I want to thank the coach by playing well which is the best possible way.

“I’m only thinking about Cardiff, working for the coach to give me the chance to start again, play my best, score goals and help the team. Right now we just need to play well so we can finish in a European spot.”