In the space of just 12 months, David Moyes transformed West Ham United from relegation candidates into a side capable of competing for the European places.
On the other side of the Channel, Julien Stephan certainly runs the Hammers boss close, at least when it comes to turning ugly ducklings into high-flying swans.
Strasbourg only finished two points above the Ligue 1 drop zone when Stephan took over at the Alsace outfit in July 2021. Flash forward 10 months and, while Strasbourg eventually missed out on Europe, the fact that they were still in contention for a top-six spot heading into the final day is testament to the remarkable job one of France’s most promising tacticians has done at the Stade de la Meinau.
And while Moyes’ success at the London Stadium has been built upon the Scot’s ability to eke every drop of potential out of his squad – turning unfancied old pros like Craig Dawson, Michail Antonio and co into players capable of performing at a far higher level – Ludovic Ajorque’s 12 goals and eight assists in 36 Ligue 1 games is a testament to Stephan’s superb man-management skills, his almost unrivalled ability to make great from good.
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Ajorque, a late-blooming 28-year-old centre-forward, hadn’t stepped foot in the top-flight football until 2018/19.
But, for the second season in a row, the 6ft 6ins man mountain has broken the 20-barrier for combined goals and assists in Ligue 1. Only six players in the division managed more.
“Ajorque has been with us for four years and has progressed a lot here,” Strasbourg president Marc Keller tells Dernieres Nouvelles d’Alsace.
“We are very happy with him as a player and as a person. He has always behaved in an exemplary manner. But after all this time, he may be questioning whether he needs a new challenge.
“We hope to keep him. But if he wants to leave and if a big offer is formulated, we will talk about it. If they (our key players) are to leave, they’ll be replaced. It’s part of the life of a club.”
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FootMercato claim that West Ham were scouting Ajorque intently earlier this term. It is no secret that Moyes is desperate to bring in another centre-forward to ease the burden on Antonio’s shoulders.
And with Strasbourg making it clear that they won’t stand in his way should offers arrive, that may be all the motivation West Ham need to firm up their interest in a man who, like many at the London Stadium, revels in confounding the critics.
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