On last night’s evidence, M’Bala Nzola is certainly more Michail Antonio than Sebastien Haller.
That is not to say the reported West Ham United target is capable of filling in and thriving at right-back, like the swiss-army footballer that is Antonio.
But, like David Moyes’ all-action talisman, Nzola is a forward ready and willing to run himself into the ground while placing the needs of the collective above those of the individual.
When Spezia need a hero, Nzola is always there to answer the bat signal.
Serie A newcomers Spezia were a goal down and heading for defeat away at Scudetto dark horses Napoli until their talismanic Frenchman levelled the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the second half.
20 minutes later, the Little Eagles were celebrating one of the most famous results in their recent history: a 2-1 triumph that lifted them out of the relegation zone to boot.
“I’m happy for my goal, but above all for the team, because it was a difficult match and we were in a difficult moment,” reflected Nzala, once again displaying his awareness of the greater good.
The 24-year-old journeyman has scored eight times in his last nine Serie A matches; a remarkable return for a striker who has never played top-flight football before.
West Ham are keen, according to Corriere dello Sport, and Nzola certainly looks like the sort of all-action, channel-running centre-forward who would thrive in a Moyes team.
As the much-maligned Haller packs his bags and heads for Amsterdam, Nzola looks like a far better fit for a team set up to bloody the big boys’ noses with their up-and-at-’em approach.
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