West Ham United are in definite need of attacking reinforcements this summer despite a promising campaign under Manuel Pellegrini. The Hammers have been linked with moves for players like Moussa Marega, Portu and Kostas Fortounis in recent weeks. But if there is one player who can certainly the West Ham attack, it’s Borussia Dortmund star Maximilian Philipp.
The German attacker is reportedly available for a fee of €20 million this summer and is not included in Lucien Favre’s plans for next season. And this could be an opportunity for West Ham to make a move for the Dortmund attacker.
But, what can he bring to the table for Manuel Pellegrini’s side?
Maximilian Philipp: player profile
Primarily a secondary striker, Philipp likes to play just in behind the central striker, much like Portuguese starlet Joao Felix. He is a dynamic operator, who is always on the lookout for chances to score goals and create opportunities. In a way, Philipp’s style of play can be compared to Marco Reus as he often likes to get in behind the defence or provide those defence threading through balls. He is also quite a feisty attacker, who is difficult in shrugging off the ball.
However, what makes Philipp such a valued commodity in German football is his all-round gameplay in the final third. For one, Philipp can feature anywhere across the final third except the centre-forward role, where he has visibly struggled at Dortmund this past season.
He doesn’t have any designated weak foot. And this helps him to open up both sides of the pitch when operating in a central role. It can also prove to be an advantage out wide as he can either cut-inside or get to the byline to whip in crosses.
Why Philipp will be an ideal signing for West Ham
The addition of Philipp will make West Ham much more versatile in attack. The Hammers boast the services of two inverted wingers in Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko. But, Philipp could bring a new element to their attack with his ability to act either as an inverted winger or a typical wide attacker.
The fact that he can also feature in the number ten or secondary striker will also be a massive boost, amid Marko Arnautovic facing an uncertain future at the club.
Furthermore, the Dortmund star is blessed with technical prowess, which could help him link-up with the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Anderson and Arnautovic in the final third. And at the age of 25, Philipp will be a smart long-term investment for the Irons.
