Attacking midfielder Haksabanovic struggled at West Ham last season.
West Ham United attacker Sead Haksabanovic has told the club’s official website that he wants to be more involved than he was during the 2017-18 campaign, this time around – and Hammers fans have backed him to make an impact.
The 19-year-old came off the bench on Sunday to provide the assist for West Ham’s winner against Championship side Ipswich Town, as he played the ball through to Marko Arnautovic to score and win the game 2-1.
It is a glimpse of what could be from the Sweden-born Montenegro international, who managed just two West Ham appearances last season – instead appearing for the club’s under-23 side on a regular basis.
Haksabanovic sent a first-team plea to Manuel Pellegrini, as he stated his desperation to be playing first-team football at the London Stadium this season – and is keen to put the 2017-18 term behind him.
“I’m feeling happy that I’m in the squad and it feels good in training to be alongside these players as they take care of me, which is good,” Haksabanovic said. “Last year didn’t go so well for me in the first-team squad, but now it’s all about improving and showing myself.
“It’s important that I show the quality like I did with the pass for Marko and my involvement in our third goal at Aston Villa, as this is what I need for my confidence. Now I need to just keep on going.”
Able to play anywhere in attacking midfield, Haksabanovic’s chances of first-team football could have increased during pre-season, after Manuel Lanzini suffered an anterior cruciate ligament while with Argentina.
Some West Ham fans reacted to Haksabanovic’s comments, urging him to remain at the club rather than go on loan and the majority are firmly of the belief that he is plenty to offer Pellegrini’s side.
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