The seven-goal Sunderland striker has outscored every West Ham United player this season.
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has slammed the club’s recent recruitment in his position.
Speaking as a guest on Talksport‘s Jim White show on Monday, the 32-year-old reeled off a list of names – including summer signings Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri – who aren’t good enough to play for his old side.
No West Ham striker has scored in the league this season, although a shortage of goals from front men is not specific to this season.
“It’s been a few years now with poor recruitment in the striking areas,” Ashton said. “I couldn’t believe some of the names that were there: (Victor) Obinna, (Frederic) Piquionne, John Carew, (Modibo) Maiga, (Marouane) Chamakh, (Mladen) Petric; Enner Valencia was poor, Zaha and Calleri that are in the squad now… they’re not good enough.”
West Ham, who sit a point above the relegation places, have been unlucky with injuries this season, with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew – a £20 million summer recruit – each ruled out at some stage.
And Ashton, who scored 19 goals in 56 Hammers appearances, has called for at least one of them to step up and start delivering, as he suggests another former Upton Park goalscorer, Jermain Defoe, would do.
“Someone’s got to step up and score the goals,” he added: “This game’s about scoring goals, whatever anyone says. Every club needs a player not that can score not just great goals, but simple goals. Goals that keep you in games.
“The one I always think of is Jermain Defoe. He’s the type of player that, yes, he doesn’t give you that much within the game but he’s gonna give you a goal. Therefore he gives you a chance. And that’s what West Ham have lacked.”
Defoe, who left West Ham for Tottenham Hotspur in 2004, has scored seven goals in 12 appearances for bottom club Sunderland this season – despite turning 34 last month.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
