West Ham United’s January signing has impressed and is getting the best out of the previously misfiring striker.
When West Ham United first signed Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen, Hammers fans rejoiced in the fact that they finally had a quality out-and-out striker to call their own.
Unfortunately for the Mexican and the West Ham faithful, things did not go according to plan in the first few months of the campaign, with Hernandez failing to score regularly despite an early brace against Stoke City, and the succumbing to a hamstring injury that preceded an expected January exit.
Somewhat thankfully for West Ham, the transfer window came and went without Hernandez leaving, with an injury crisis ensuring the Mexican sharp-shooter was granted a second chance.
West Ham boss David Moyes did not appear to rate Hernandez, either at his current club or at former side Manchester United, yet the arrival of Joao Mario has given the forward an attacking partner of real quality, and one that could finally get the 29-year-old scoring on a consistent basis.
Mario played the ball through for Hernandez to win the penalty against Crystal Palace late last month, and the Portuguese midfielder also laid on the assist for the striker to score in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion a few days later.
Hernandez needs teammates who can take advantage of his movement in the box and Mario looks to be that man, so West Ham fans will be hopeful that this partnership is allowed to blossom. If it does, the Hammers could soon be surging up the table courtesy of a free-scoring Mexican and an astute January loan.
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