West Ham manager David Moyes has a new hero at the moment in the shape of Andriy Yarmolenko.
Having returned from compassionate leave in the wake of events in his homeland, Ukraine, the 32-year-old has scored two crucial goals from the bench.
The latest emotional strike came as the Hammers overcame Sevilla after extra time to reach the last eight of the Europa League.
Ukrainian Andriy Yarmolenko gives West Ham the lead against Sevilla deep into stoppage time 🇺🇦
It had to be him 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/gDWLPs6FYd
— GOAL (@goal) March 17, 2022
Albeit clearly well suited to an impact role at present, there is a case for the 106-cap ace to be given a place in Moyes’ side from the outset against London rivals Tottenham.
With Jarrod Bowen still sidelined through injury and Nikola Vlasic struggling to make an impact, the Ukrainian could be handed a start.
Here’s how we think the Irons will lineup…
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Predicted XI: Lukasz Fabianski; Ben Johnson, Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson, Aaron Cresswell; Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek; Andriy Yarmolenko, Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma; Michail Antonio.
Predicted Subs: Alphonse Areola, Ryan Fredericks, Issa Diop, Alex Kral, Nikola Vlasic, Manuel Lanzini, Daniel Chesters, Mark Noble, Armstrong Okoflex.
This is no easy decision but in truth, it’s almost impossible to ignore Yarmolenko’s form in comparison to others, despite not starting a match since February.
Operating in a right-wing role it’s unlikely that the soon to be out of contract star will last 90 minutes, but for an hour this could be the best option.
