Boss’s concerns over Scamacca’s ‘physical data’
DAVID MOYES’ refusal to use Gianluca Scamacca is puzzling West Ham supporters, but the manager says the £35.5million striker’s ‘physical data’ is falling short of what is needed. The Italian has been an unused substitute in West Ham’s last four Premier League games. He was kitted up on the sideline during yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, but when Danny Ings was removed in the 86th minute, Moyes brought on Maxwel Cornet instead.
When asked why he is snubbing Scamacca, Moyes said his best team does not include the 24-year-old Italian right now.
‘We know that his physical data has got to be much better than it is,’ Moyes said. ‘The thought was Maxi Cornet could get in behind them. We saw Maxi doing that more than Gianluca. Gianluca has got to get himself back. ‘No manager wants to put out a bad team. You want to put out the players who you think are going to win for you, so you are always looking to put your best team out.’
Asked if it is a lack of effort, Moyes said: ‘I think his application is there, we just want the output to be bigger and more. That’s one of the things we are looking for.
‘The general part of his play, his hold-up play, we like him for it. We have not seen it as much in the work we have been doing.’
Moyes felt West Ham’s players deserved praise yesterday but instead they were booed at full-time, despite lifting themselves out of the Premier League’s bottom three.
‘I thought the performance merited really good support,’ Moyes said. ‘The players came back on Thursday night, after a long flight back from Cyprus, and performed well.
‘I didn’t think we deserved to go a goal down. But the players showed character, stuck at it, everyone ran and was committed throughout the game. They deserve praise.’
Villa manager Unai Emery said the penalty awarded to West Ham, scored by Said Benrahma, was harsh. ‘I respect the referees, 100 per cent,’ he said. ‘But my opinion is it was very soft. The result is positive. We are keeping the distance with West Ham.’