Why West Ham should plot a summer swoop for Borja Iglesias?
Espanyol striker Borja Iglesias has had an exceptional debut campaign in La Liga, managing 11 strikes in 26 league games.
West Ham and Everton were linked with a January swoop for the Spaniard, although neither of the English clubs made any concrete move as Borja Iglesias stayed with Espanyol.
Speaking about West Ham, the Hammers have recovered very well after losing the first four games of the season. Manuel Pellegrini should now be targeting a place in Europe, with just four points separating the Londoners from seventh-place Wolves.
Ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, Pellegrini should emphasize on bolstering his attack. A new no.9 should be West Ham’s priority, despite tying Marco Arnautovic to a new deal. Arnautovic flirted with a big-money move to China earlier in January but a deal didn’t materialise as the Hammers stayed firm in their aim of keeping hold of their prized asset.
The Austrian is West Ham’s one of the most important players but despite agreeing on an extension until 2023, doubts remain whether he’ll stay at the London Stadium beyond the summer or not. Hence, it’s time for Pellegrini to start plotting potential replacements for Arnautovic with less than 10 games left in the campaign. To put things into perspective, West Ham should reignite their interest in Borja Iglesias.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Borja is an out-and-out centre-forward, known for his deadly finishing in the box and aerial ability. He is strong, physical and powerful and is excellent with his back to goal. The burly Spaniard is very difficult to shrug off, as he excels in holding the ball up and bringing his teammates into the game.
Impressively, Borja is extremely dangerous in the final third of the opposition and his ability to run in behind the opposition’s rearguard would provide Pellegrini with a totally different option up front. He is a natural goalscorer, possessing good technical traits and a decent turn of pace.
An excellent reader of the game, the former Celta Vigo poacher’s movement, work-rate and eye for goal would make him such a brilliant fit for the Hammers. He would certainly thrive in Pellegrini’s attacking system that’ll have the creative minds of Manuel Lanzini, Robert Snodgrass and Felipe Anderson around him.
All in all, Borja’s ability to link up the play between midfield and attack would undoubtedly help West Ham improve upon the fluidity of their play in the final third. If the Hammers are to challenge for a top-six spot next season, splashing money on the Spaniard stands as a no-brainer.
