Nikola Vlasic struggled for West Ham last season following his big-money move from CSKA Moscow – but he has instantly returned to form on loan with Torino, and Italian media have praised the Russian after scoring on Monday.
Vlasic, 24, joined West Ham last summer for an initial fee of £26.8million – plus £7.7million in add-ons. An overall fee of £34.5million. It came after 54 goal involvements in 108 CSKA games. But he scored just one goal in 31 for West Ham.
In five appearances, the 39-time Croatia international has three goals for Torino. Joining the club on a season-long loan, Vlasic is shining for the Serie A side. On Monday night, he scored the only goal of the game as Torino beat Lecce.
Breaking free on the left of the penalty area, he was slipped in by Mergim Vojvoda. His first-time finish was perfectly-placed, and the mark of a man in form. In an equal match, Vlasic proved to be the difference. TMW gave him 7/10.
“Vlasic was lethalas he scored for the third consecutive time, with a first-time shot that was beautiful to see. More and more driver of the Bull, now in the perfect environment and in the form that is expected of the no.16,” TMW report.
Italian media have praised West Ham man Vlasic after scoring on Monday
It was a gorgeous finish for Vlasic. But the main difference between his stint at West Ham, and at Torino, is he is being used in his favoured position. While at CSKA, he was the main man, playing in the 10 role for the Russian giants.
Starting just 16 of his 31 appearances for the Hammers, he was only used as a no.10 on five occasions (TransferMarkt). It does not take much analysis to realise that Vlasic is showing his best form because he is playing in his best position.
Is that a slight on David Moyes? Perhaps. But the competition, and the system which Moyes has implemented, has not allowed Vlasic to play in the 10 at West Ham, at least regularly. That system has brought huge success.
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