Two formations which can get the best out of Javier Hernandez at West Ham

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How Slaven Bilic can get the best out of the Mexican star at West Ham.

In a transfer window which has seen Andre Grey move for £18.5 million (as reported by the Guardian), the signing of Javier Hernandez looks increasingly looks like the steal of the summer having signed from Bayer Leverkusen for just £16 million.

Chicharito has already opened his account for the Hammers, banging in a brace in a narrow loss against Southampton, doing what he does best, poaching in the box. This was, despite the Mexican being shunted to the left thanks to a moment of madness from fellow new signing Marko Arnautović.

Javier Hernandez of West Ham United celebrates scoring his sides second goal

However, there is a particular pattern to Javier Hernandez’s successful seasons in Europe. His most prolific campaigns have come when he has been utilized as part of a front two or had a playmaker supporting him.

In his first three seasons with Manchester United when he scored 10 goals and more, he had Wayne Rooney playing closely behind him. Apart from the 2012-13 season when he partnered Robin van Persie as Sir Alex Ferguson elected to play two strikers up front.

The 29-year-old’s first season at Bayern Leverkusen saw him score 17 goals in the League, in which he was aided by the dominating presence of Stefan Kiessling playing alongside him. Slaven Bilic must look to replicate that with West Ham, either by playing Andy Caroll beside the Mexican or by playing with Manuel Lanzini behind him in a number 10 position.

Here are two formations West Ham might employ this season to get the best out of their star man up front.

There not many teams who play the traditional 4-4-2, for obvious reasons. But, this could work for West Ham as Andy Caroll has similar strengths to Stefan Kiessling. One of the two will definitely have to drop back to do the dirty work, and just for that reason, it could be someone like Diafra Sakho or even Michail Antonio partnering the former Manchester United man.

This looks more of a possibility, and with Chicharito in front of him, Lanzini can have probably his best season in the shirt. The Argentine definitely has the ability to be up there with the best assist makers in the League, and Chicharito will provide him the movement to get to that level.