Kieron Dyer has claimed that West Ham forward Michail Antonio is ‘one of the most underrated players’ in the Premier League, as he told Sky Sports Football (17/10/21 at 2:50 pm).
The former England winger admitted that he ‘wasn’t a big fan’ of the £7 million West Ham player (Sky Sports) when he first arrived in the Premier League, but he has now changed his mind.
From a winger, to a right-back, to a centre-forward, it has been some journey out on that pitch for Antonio.
During his early years in Claret and Blue colours, he showcased glimpses of his power, fearless nature on the ball, ability to pull out his magic tricks and beat the opposition on one-on-one situations.
But, under David Moyes, he turned an inconsistent winger into a goalscoring forward, who recently broke Paolo Di Canio’s all-time Premier League record.
Dyer lauded Antonio for how he has performed in recent years and now admits that he likes what he sees from the player.
“With Antonio, he bullies centre-halves,” said Dyer. “He is one of them centre-forwards that you play against and you know after the game that you have had a right ding-dong battle.
“He has added goals to his game. I would say he is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.
“When I first saw him come into the Premier League, technically, I wasn’t a big fan. I never expected him to have the career that he has had.
“To be Di Canio’s all-time Premier League scoring record is all credit to the guy.”
Just like Jamie Vardy, the West Ham 31-year-old has proven that age means nothing in the game.
Whilst Antonio was still playing Premier League football at a healthy age, he proved during his more older years that he can still produce his best football, even though some may have felt that he was past that mark.
Over the years, injuries haven’t helped his cause, including numerous muscle problems that will just stop him in his ways.
But now he hasn’t visited in the treatment room as much in recent seasons, he is fast proving to be one of the best forwards in the Premier League.
And just like Vardy, there is still plenty of goals left in his tank.
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