David Moyes says West Ham player ‘can do better’, he has been ‘interesting’ so far

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David Moyes has told Wednesday’s press conference ahead of this week’s Europa League clash against Silkeborg that West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca “can do better”, and that he has been “interesting” so far for the Hammers.

Scamacca, 23, has arguably been West Ham’s best summer signing. Flynn Downes is growing, Lucas Paqueta has shown glimpses of quality and both Emerson Palmieri and Maxwel Cornet are beginning to settle at West Ham.

Nayef Aguerd is yet to make his debut, but is close to a return from injury. Scamacca was forced to watch from the touchline initially as Michail Antonio started the campaign as first choice. But the Italian has since overtaken Antonio.

He has scored six goals in 16 Hammers appearances, of which he has started just 10 times – completing 90 minutes only once. A decent record. But Moyes was critical of the ex-Sassuolo ace, saying there are things he can do better.

“Gianluca is interesting. He’s a really good, nice lad. He’s got some great traits as a centre-forward. Hold up play, stature, can score with his head and has a cannon in his right foot,” Moyes said, as per West Ham’s website.

“There are things he can do better but his movement is good. A really great character. It’s hard to find good, young centre-forwards these days. It’s hard to find someone who can make a difference. We’re hoping he can get better.”

Moyes: West Ham striker Scamacca can do better

Scamacca has been excellent so far for the Hammers, no doubt about it. He has overtaken a player in Antonio that was a mainstay last season. But Moyes is right, there are areas he can continue to improve – his decision making, for one.

But one thing that Scamacca does give the Hammers that Antonio perhaps, did not, is is ability to score different types of goals. Excellent in the air, but his technique is superb, too. His ability to shoot from long-range is breathtaking.

Against Southampton, he tried a shot from all of 35 yards that fizzed and dipped past the post. His first Premier League goal is a wonderful dipping strike from the edge of the area, against Wolves. He offers more than Antonio.