Noel Whelan has praised the recent impact of Andriy Yarmolenko, suggesting that he could be a better player than fellow West Ham star Manuel Lanzini.
The Ukrainian joined the Hammers in the summer of 2018 from Borussia Dortmund, but he missed the majority of his first season at the club after rupturing his achilles tendon.
He returned to action in the second week of the season, making a 13-minute cameo against Brighton & Hove Albion. Since then he has started each of West Ham’s Premier League matches and has found his form straight away with two goals in five appearances.
His performances have certainly been impressive, and he has stepped up in the absence of Lanzini who is out of action with a foot injury.
Yarmolenko has impressed pundit Whelan, who admitted that having him back was “like a new signing” for Manuel Pellegrini. He also expressed the opinion that the former Dynamo Kiev man could be even better than his West Ham team-mate Lanzini.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Leeds United and Coventry City striker said: “It’s great for Pellegrini to have him [Yarmolenko] back after he missed most of last season. I’m really impressed with him, he’s involved in everything.
“He was at the heart of their win against Man United. He plays with passion and desire, he’s good going forward, intelligent and makes great runs in behind.
“Pellegrini must be so pleased to have him back. I know Lanzini is an exceptional talent, but Yarmolenko may be even better.”
Suggesting that the Ukrainian is more talented that Lanzini is certainly a bold statement from Whelan. After all, the Argentina international is an exceptional talent on the ball, whose pass success rate since arriving in East London in 2015 is a very respectable 88.1% (Via WhoScored).
However, in terms of being a threat in front of goal, it is completely reasonable to suggest that Yarmolenko is a more important player.
The 29-year-old has scored 147 club goals during his career despite normally playing as a winger, which is a hugely impressive record. Added to that, he has also netted 36 times for Ukraine in just 81 appearances.
The Ukrainian has scored just over 100 more club goals compared to the former River Plate man, who has netted 46.
So whilst Yarmolenko might not necessarily be a more talented player than Lanzini, he is certainly a better goalscorer and will be vital to West Ham in the Premier League this season.
West Ham fans, do you think that Andriy Yarmolenko is a better player than Manuel Lanzini? Or do you prefer the skilful Argentinian? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
