West Ham United’s official Twitter account posted a throwback video of a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers in 2008 and many Hammers fans couldn’t help but notice Dean Ashton’s display.
The striker scored the equaliser and set up the winner, scored by debutant Freddie Sears.
Ashton took his goal superbly, beating the Rovers defenders for pace before clipping the ball expertly over Brad Friedel.
His assist could be considered to be even better than his goal, cleverly backheeling the ball into the path of Sears, who finished at the second attempt.
Ashton scored 19 times in 56 appearances for the Hammers (Transfermarkt) but unfortunately, his short career was blighted with injury problems.
The former striker missed a total of 90 matches for West Ham due to ankle and calf problems. In December 2009, the striker was eventually forced to retire from football at the age of 26.
Many Hammers fans on Twitter have responded to the footage with sadness for Ashton, with some feeling that he could have been so much better if he wasn’t so injury-prone and others simply praising his brilliance.
Twitter: @WestHam Dean Ashton tho
such a shame about injury’s man (@HarryZippyAx)
Twitter: @WestHam @premierleague Ashton could have been better than Harry Kane… he had everything
(@Raheem_rahiim)
Twitter: @WestHam Deano was our best striker in years. Such an exciting player to watch. Would had just got better.
(@DaddyCasual)
Twitter: @WestHam @jonnysharpe Man I miss Deano. Such a shame about his injury. Think WHU been cursed on a quality striker f… https://t.co/30fhChrnax (@phillip11willy)
Twitter: @WestHam Seriously tho how good was @TheDeanAshton, unbelievable striker
Twitter: @WestHam How good was Deano.
(@Ratters1975)
Twitter: @WestHam @TheDeanAshton making it look easy
(@JoshTappin91)
