Trevor Sinclair has admitted that he has been left ‘surprised’ by Sebastien Haller’s performances for Ajax, after leaving West Ham, as he told talkSPORT (20/10/21 at 12:10 pm).
In January, West Ham sold Haller for £20 million (Sky Sports), after his struggles in the Claret and Blue colours.
And it is a move that has worked for both parties because David Moyes’s side have continued to thrive, whilst Haller is ripping it up at his new home.
Not only is he scoring goals for fan in Holand’s top-tier, but he is ripping it up in the Champions League also.
Haller has an incredible six goals in three Champions League matches, with Erik ten Haag side winning every single game so far.
Sinclair praised the remarkable turnaround in Haller’s career and how it just wasn’t meant to be for him at the London Stadium.
“He struggled,” said Sinclair. “I think you have to look at the history of where he is coming from. He was in a very successful Frankfurt team with Jovic, who went onto Real Madrid and that was a very good partnership with him. I think you look at the depth of the league and the quality of teams there.
“Then coming to the Premier League, what was he 24 or 25? I likened him to Freddie Kanoute, his build, he’s a striker and French heritage as well. I was really excited and so where the West Ham fans.
“For whatever reason, it didn’t work out. I say the Premier League that it will test every part of your talent. I don’t think, coming from where he was, I think he struggled. He got what ten goals?
“He’s top scorer in the Champions League now. He is on fire. He has scored 17 goals in 28 games for Ajax. He looks happy. Slight positional change, understanding his teammates and he has just landed in the right lane for him. And he’s hit the ground running. Confidence is a huge thing for him football. He has surprised me.”
Whilst Haller didn’t put the ball in the back of the net on a consistent basis, one thing he did do was score some outstanding goals for the London club.
But his departure has allowed Michail Antonio to play up front on a more consistent basis and be the one and only focal point.
The results are there for all to see because Antonio is now challenging for the Golden Boot this season, after firing them to a top-six finish last term.
If Haller continues in this rich vein of form, and if Ajax go deep in the Champions League, then it will be interesting if any other teams in the Champions League come knocking for his talents.
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