In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has urged West Ham United to look at Brentford striker Ivan Toney. Agbonlahor said, “You look at Ollie Watkins, you look at Ivan Toney, I’m sure if Brentford don’t go up, he’ll get a move to the Premier League.
“A lot of these Championship strikers are making the grade when they come up to the Premier League and they are showing they can do it.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was the sort of player who wouldn’t moan about being the second choice until he gets settled in.
“I’m sure that would be a perfect signing that David Moyes would look at.”
Toney’s Excellent Goal-Scoring Form In The EFL Championship This Season
Toney is enjoying a brilliant season with the Bees after producing several goal-scoring performances as the primary centre-forward of Thomas Frank’s attack. The English marksman has banged in 23 goals and provided nine assists in 28 appearances for Brentford in the EFL Championship this season.
The ex-Northampton youngster has worked hard to average 0.5 tackles, 0.7 clearances, 2.9 shots, 1.2 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in the English second division. However, Toney needs to be a bit careful when distributing the ball in the final third as he has made 67.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Are The English Frontman’s Best Attributes?
Toney possesses decent pace in his locker and can make some dangerous sprints with the ball in the attacking third. He has transformed himself into a consistent goal-scorer at the Brentford Community Stadium this season.
The Northampton-born sensation has got a real presence about him and can win his fair share of aerial duels for his team. However, Toney is still unproven at the highest level, so the jury is still out on whether he will be able to maintain his high standards in the Premier League if the Hammers decide to listen to Agbonlahor’s advice by acquiring his services next summer.
Is Toney The Right Choice For The Hammers?
Currently, West Ham boss David Moyes is in dire need to add a new striker to his squad as he has got Michail Antonio as his only recognisable senior striker following the departure of Sebastien Haller back in January. Hence, it makes sense for the East London club to focus on getting someone as prolific as Toney on board at the end of this season.
The recent success of Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa should serve as proof that a Championship striker like Toney can flourish in the English top-flight if they are given the right environment to showcase their skills at the top level. With all things considered, it seems like Toney will be a decent choice for West Ham as he will undeniably offer some healthy competition for Antonio at the London Stadium in the coming seasons.
