Transfer Story
Recent reports have linked Brentford FC’s attacking midfielder Jota with a possible move to West Ham United this summer. The versatile midfielder can play in the attacking midfield position as well as on both the wings providing a team with an array of options when it comes deploying the individual.
The 25-year-old has impressed many with his stint in the Championship and Bilic believes he could be the right fuel to provide the energy and spark that the Hammers need to invigorate themselves for the upcoming Premier League season.
The Spaniard has only a year left on his contract with the Championship side and is apparently interested in testing the Premier League waters. Brentford is also contemplating the possible sale of the player as in the case of a contract breakdown they would lose the player for free next summer.
Without exaggerating any further let us look at the stats on the much-coveted midfielder and see what he could bring in the heart of midfield for Hammers.
Player Stats
Jota has played a total of 30 matches last season (9 in La Liga and 21 in the Championship) going on to amass a total of 12 goals and 5 assists, all of which came in the Championship though.
A midfielder with the ability to score goals and add to the scoresheet is always desired and his case is no different, the player certainly has the talent.
The Spanish International has also maintained an overall pass success of 68% in the past season along with scoring a hat trick with the Bees.
The 25-year-old’s one touch passing and tactical awareness in the heart of the midfield has been applauded by fans and experts alike.
Certainly a prospect worth investing at, it seems. (Stats via FCTables)
What’ll he bring to the Club?
The player has limited experience of playing in top flight football but his skills and experience do show that if sculpted by the right manager, he could turn out to be a masterpiece and Bilic seems to be up for the task.
Having the ability to sense chances early in the box has turned him into a goal poacher along with his creativity and vision to create chances for his teammates up front. Qualities certainly admirable in the 25-year-old nonetheless but still there are some worrying factors.
The player’s poor physical presence has led to him getting dismantled off his ball quite easily by his opponents as well as the player’s inability or rather unwillingness to chase the lost ball are some of the deterring factors that Bilic needs to work upon if he indeed wants the versatile player.
No doubt the Croatian gaffer has his work cut out but if all goes according to plan it might turn out to be a classy stroke from Bilic.
