Former Tottenham midfielder and England manager Glenn Hoddle has claimed West Ham striker Michail Antonio has been among the best players in the Premier League this season.
Despite another campaign truncated by niggling injuries, the 31-year-old has contributed immensely towards the meteoric rise enjoyed at the London Stadium in 2020/21.
Having narrowly avoided relegation last term, in part owing to Antonio’s stunning end to the campaign, Moyes’ men until very recently were on the cusp of UEFA Champions League qualification.
Now it seems as though the Irons will just miss out on the elite European competition and could perhaps settle for Europa League next season – still a remarkable achievement.
Discussing the potential England squad Gareth Southgate could be set to name next week with Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole on Between The Lines – Hoddle threw Antonio’s name into the mix.
This fellow (Antonio) was as good as anyone in the league this year. Holding the ball up, turning getting in behind. The last 10/15 minutes of a game that’s where I’m thinking you put him on.
This season the London-born frontman has contributed nine Premier League goals and registered five assists.
Unfortunately for Southgate and England alike, Antonio recently switched allegiances to Jamaica having failed to represent his country of birth at any level.
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Whether Antonio would’ve done enough to force his way in we will never know.
Perhaps owing to the fierce competition ahead of him, the talismanic Iron made a decision to ply his trade on the international level elsewhere.
One thing is for sure, given the hard work and endeavour the forward has put into his playing career – even simply during his career in east London – he is certainly deserving of international recognition.
England’s loss could well prove to be Jamaica’s gain.
