A lot of West Ham fans are debating whether Michail Antionio deserves a new contract after journalist Sam Inkersole asked the question on Twitter.
The attacker’s contract runs out in June 2021, via Transfermarkt, and during his career in East London, he has scored 30 times, whilst providing 21 assists in his 145 appearances.
Looking at his offensive stats this season in comparison to Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson, via Whoscored, Antonio only ranks the highest in shots per game, 2.3.
However, the numbers which do stand out for him are ones which you would not want to see. Indeed, he is dispossessed the most out of the three per game whilst he also controls the ball badly on average 3.1 times per game which is again the most out of the three.
With the Irons battling relegation, players who are getting dispossessed and not controlling the ball well could be a part of the problem which sees the side only have on average 45% possession this season, per WhoScored. If the Hammers could hold onto the ball more, it could help David Moyes improve things and stop coming under pressure so much, considering the fact they’ve conceded 50 goals this season.
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Here is what some fans said about Antonio:
It generated a bit of debate on my timeline so why not put it to a poll: Michail Antonio is out of contract at the end of next season, should he get a new deal before then or not? #WHUFC
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) March 23, 2020
Anyone that turns up for England camp with a West Ham carrier bag gets an instant extension, regardless of any practical arguments against giving them one.
— CH (@clivehoopergma1) March 23, 2020
For those that say yes, why? He’s over 30 and more and more injury prone. He’s a handful, but technically lacking. If we could get 20+m in the “summer” I’d sell him.
— IronsmanJP (@IronsManJP) March 23, 2020
Everything good we do is through Antonio. Never been technically the best but has dragged us through since he’s joined (other than the season before last)
— Corey (@CoreyKemp_) March 23, 2020
Don’t really understand why people have said yes, he’s only played 15 time this year, his style of play is so reliant on pace, he’s getting older, High wages & his Hamstring injuries are recurrent & detrimental to his game!
I’d look to cash in & sign Daka & Karlan Grant— Steven McCarthy (@StevenMcCarthy9) March 23, 2020
No harm in offering a one year deal
— _C⚽️ (@WHU_Caulay1) March 24, 2020
When he’s been fit he’s arguably been our most important player. Had all this stuff happened he was and is going to be so important for our survival. Has to be renewed. Can’t understand anyone saying no. Doesn’t mean he needs a killer pay rise or anything, but renew, absolutely!
— Kevin Skinner (@KevinSk45653020) March 24, 2020
West Ham fans, do you think Antonio deserves a contract extension? Comment below!
