Would the West Ham United talent thrive under the Spaniard if he leaves Newcastle for the Irons?
If there’s one thing which will save West Ham United this season, it’s their goals. Slaven Bilic’s side might be 18th in the Premier League table but only one side in the bottom half of the standings – Leicester City, with nine – have scored more than their six goals this season.
Six goals in as many games isn’t bad, but it’s not good enough if West Ham have genuine aspirations of European football again and one man who might be capable of bringing them on a level is in their Under-23 side.
Toni Martinez, signed from Valencia B in the summer of 2016, has netted 18 times in 20 reserve games in a fine run of form which means a first-team chance can’t be far away, but Bilic seems reluctant.
Due to the Irons’ form, Bilic could be out of the job soon enough and one man tipped to replace him is Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez who, according to The Telegraph, would “express some interest” in the position.
And if Benitez gets the job it could be the best thing that has happened to the 20-year-old hitman in his burgeoning career.
Young, Spanish and talented, a man-manager as respected and decorated as Benitez could work wonders with a player of Martinez’s promise.
The former Liverpool boss played a big role in the development of Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Torres, helping all three become household names and although plenty more of his Spanish recruits at Anfield fell by the wayside, he can succeed if the talent is there.
Is the talent there with Martinez? There is only one way to find out.
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