Since Lucas Perez joined West Ham United from Arsenal for a fee of just £4 million in the summer, the 30-year-old has failed to revive his stagnating career at the London Stadium.
Having gone from being a bit-part player to a loanee whilst with the Gunners, Perez is back to playing a squad rotation role with the Hammers. However, this weekend’s FA Cup third round clash with Birmingham City should inspire Manuel Pellegrini into a bold tactical change that could get the Spanish striker’s career back on track.
On the chalkboard
In his short time in east London so far, the Irons faithful have already seen some of the best and worst that Perez has to offer. His well-taken brace against Cardiff City was a high point. However, a particularly dismal showing against Southampton in the Premier League drew the ire of many supporters.
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In total, the 5’11” forward has made just three league starts for Pellegrini’s side this season, and thirteen total appearances in all competitions.
With Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and seemingly Andy Carroll now all ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s a big ask for Perez to secure regular starts in the Premier League. However, the forward is likely to get another chance to prove his quality when the Hammers face the Blues this weekend, and Pellegrini ought to alter his formation so as to include two strikers, in an attempt to get the best out of Perez.
Risks worth taking
The attributes of Arnautovic, alongside Perez up front, ought to combine in a complimentary fashion. The Austrian’s power and flair, coupled with Perez’s creativity and finishing ability, could see them forge a potent partnership.
A change of formation is always a gamble, but in this case it is one worth taking as getting Perez back to his best would make West Ham’s squad all the stronger. What’s more, starting Arnautovic is a risk given his recent fitness record, but if Pellegrini wants to give playing two up front a real chance, then he has to deploy this potentially perfect pair.
The FA Cup provides the perfect testing ground for this tactical experiment that could see the Hammers’ firepower boosted.
