With Internet ruling the world, we have seen some players getting the flak for some unfortunate incidents and Italian international Simone Zaza had to go through one lately in the Euro 2016. Well, in a knockout stage game, when you see a player getting introduced just before the match goes onto penalties, you expect that player to be an expert penalty-taker but it’s not always easy to always keep your nerve at such a big stage. After a weird run-up, Zaza absolutely skied his spot-kick and Italy were knocked out of the quarter-finals of the Euros. It was the 25-year-old’s only touch of the ball and he could not keep his nerve. Of course, he should have done better but you have to feel sorry for the lad.
It’s a public knowledge that West Ham had been looking for a quality striker throughout the summer transfer window and the ongoing injury crisis at the club converted their necessity to desperation but that finally ended with the signing of Zaza on loan from Serie A holders Juventus. West Ham will also have the option to sign the 25-year-old on a permanent basis after the completion of the season-long loan spell.
West Ham have been very active throughout the summer but their squad looked incomplete as they failed to land a proven striker but by pulling off the deal for Zaza, West Ham look like real contenders now. Here is a SWOT analysis on the striker who looks to be the final and the most crucial piece missing in the jigsaw so far.
Strengths
Zaza is more of complete forward who has it all in his locker. The Italian has an exemplary work rate for a striker and will fit in very well in West Ham’s counter attacking game. The 25-year-old is a mobile forward and can stretch the width of the game. Blessed with a Goliath-esque frame of 6’1″, Zaza is a force in the air and his hold up play is also solid. The Italian has real venom in his left foot but can use his weaker foot as well.
Weaknesses
The reason why Premier League players are more expensive nowadays is that most players from Foreign leagues struggle to make their mark in the Premier League. Serie A is not a striker-friendly league at all but the Premier League is much more fast and physical. Zaza might not be an instant success in English football and might take his time to adapt to life at East London. Judging from his spell at Juve, Zaza is known be someone who starts off slow. If he wants to make an impression, he’ll have to buckle up.
Opportunities
The Italian will be hungry to show that he can one of the best strikers in the Premier League. Despite doing a very good job in Italy and earning his big move to Juventus last summer, Zaza had to struggle for starts at the Turin club. At West Ham, we can expect the Italian play more regularly and he can become a big success at the Olympic Stadium. Just aged 25, Zaza has a long way to go.
Threats
There are not too many threats in the deal. Even if Zaza fails to make his mark at West Ham, the Hammers won’t be in too much of a trouble as it is only a loan deal. Zaza’s lack of Premier League experience is the only thing that makes us a big sceptical about this deal but considering the kind of striker Zaza is, he can be a huge success at the Olympic Stadium. If he fails, his career at Juve might take a hit next season.
