01 June 2023 , 11:20
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West Ham star Michail Antonio has questioned the decision to sign striker Gianluca Scamacca, stating the £30m signing is 'not a fighter' and does not suit manager David Moyes' style of play.
Scamacca joined West Ham last summer from Sassuolo, but has struggled with injuries and form. The 24-year-old scored just eight goals in 27 appearances in all competitions in his debut season and was also hampered by a knee problem.
Antonio has led the line in Scamacca's absence, netting 14 goals in 47 games across all competitions, and he has suggested the Italy international needs to play under a different manager to Moyes if he is to be successful.
While describing Scamacca as a "quality player", Antonio said he "can't play the way the gaffer plays" and needs to "be more of a fighter" in order to thrive under Moyes. In an appearance on the Filthy Fellas podcast, he said: "I'm going to be honest with you lot. He's actually quality.
"He is a quality player. The problem is, he can't play the way the gaffer [Moyes] plays. He needs a different type of manager to play his type of football.
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"He needs a manager [where] he can play and have other players come off him and stuff like that. You can see, the ball comes into him and it sticks, he's tidy.
Gianluca Scamacca has struggled in his debut season at West Ham and Antonio has claimed he is simply not suited to Moyes' style of football (Getty Images)"But how David Moyes plays is more like if you're up front, you're dealing with scraps and you've got to be more of a fighter, and that's not him." Antonio's comments come as West Ham prepare for their Europa Conference League final clash against Fiorentina, with t he Hammers looking to win their first European trophy in 58 years.
Former striker Teddy Sheringham, who spent three seasons at West Ham, is backing them to emerge victorious. Sheringham told Betway: "West Ham have been unbelievable, and I'm delighted for them. It's been tough for them in the league this season, but I think it was the right decision to stick with David Moyes. I'd love to see them win it.
"When you're playing in Europe, you've always got your eye on the next big game coming. It can be easy to take your eye off the smaller games in the league. That's where a good manager can keep things fresh to stop that happening. I think it might even go to penalties. I'll say West Ham to win on penalties."