#WHUFC | Analysis: Sébastien Haller. The club’s record signing has divided opinion in his first season since his arrival from Frankfurt. This thread analyses the forwards unlocked potential and why he’s a fundamental part of West Ham’s future

Sébastien Haller in the Premier League this season. [West Ham ranked]

31 games [6th]
7 goals [2nd]
1 assist [13th]
7.1 aerials won per 90 [1st]
24.9 passes per 90 [15th]
65.3 % passing accuracy [23rd]
1.8 shots per 90 [4th]
1.3 times fouled per 90 [4th]

Haller’s breakthrough 18/19 season at Frankfurt highlighted him as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.

Apps: 41
Goals: 20
Assists: 12

It was clear to see West Ham bagged themselves a powerful centre-forward with exceptional link up play and an eye for goal.
- NB how much of Haller’s 18/19 heat map came in the middle of the opposition’s half

Haller excelled for Frankfurt in a front two partnering Luka Jovic. The latter occupied the centre-backs whilst Haller made intelligent & direct forward runs.
- Rebic (ball carrier) travels with the ball
- Centre back closes down
- Haller left unmarked in space

The centre-forward flourished in this system, bringing other midfielders into play as well as constantly getting into goal scoring positions.
- Jovic, Rebic & Haller rotate
- Haller occupies back-post
- N’Dicka directs a floated cross towards Haller

Frankfurt’s system complemented Haller. Despite speed not being the best attribute of his armoury, the players around him spot his intelligent runs.
- Haller comes in between the defenders
- Ball carrier spots his run
- Through on goal

Have West Ham played to his strengths?
Haller’s 18/19 Bundesliga stats highlight him as an all round complete striker.

38 chances created
62% shot accuracy
36% chance conversion rate

So where has it gone wrong this season? Let’s take a look

1. System
At the start of the initial season West Ham were beginning to get the best out of Haller. Pellegrini got players around the centre-forward and he became an instant hit in the PL.
- Yarmolenko spots Haller’s run
- Anderson supports behind

And again here. Haller, Anderson & Yarmolenko appear to be operating as a narrow front three. This gives Haller supports and allows the other two to showcase their talents.
- Anderson acts as the ball carrier
- Yarmolenko supports the attack

Haller has won more aerial duels than any other PL player this season (213). An impressive number considering he’s often been isolated this season as a lone striker. Example below
- Anderson & Fornals are nullified in wide areas
- Haller is pressurised by two Leicester players

Haller has seemingly improved with Michail Antonio supporting him in a front two. This creates a similar effect to his 18/19 season at Frankfurt, with Antonio occupying the centre-backs.
- Antonio drags Bednarek out of position
- Fornals comes close to Haller in support

Same applies here. West Ham win the ball back high up the pitch.
- Antonio stays central occupying both centre-backs which creates more space
- Haller comes wide to angle his run
- Noble (ball carrier) plays Haller through on goal

2. Forward runs
Haller has made some intelligent forward runs this season but they have often been overlooked by the players around him.
- Lanzini wins the ball high up the pitch
- Haller presents a clear passing option in a goal scoring position

West Ham have lacked a natural forward who can get into goalscoring positions since the days of Dean Ashton. Haller certainly has that in his armoury.
- Haller presents a passing option across goal for a tap in
- Yarmolenko opts to cut back on his left

Bowen opts to shoot here but NB the position Haller has taken up.
- Unmarked between both defenders
- Bowen’s pass would see him through on goal

How does Moyes get the best out of Haller next season?

1. Eberechi Eze

Haller thrived with a direct ball carrier at Frankfurt (Rebic). Eze is a direct ball carrier who could bring the best out of Haller and players around him.

The playmaker plays a dynamic role by rotating centrally and on the flank, allowing him to be flexible on-and off-the-ball in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 formation.
- Eze picks up the ball on the left
- Composes himself before spotting the runner in-behind

Eze 2019/20 stats. [QPR ranked]

13 goals [1st]
8 assists [1st]
2.2 shots per 90 [1st]
86.5 % passing accuracy [2nd]
1.8 key passes per 90 [2nd]
1.2 crosses per 90 [2nd]
Fouled 2.3 times per 90 [1st]

2. Ollie Watkins (Brentford) is a player that comes to mind. His direct runs in-behind the defence could create more space for Haller to show his quality & provide additional support.
- Mbuemo comes wide
- Watkins positions himself in the defenders blind spot

And again here. Watkins’ versatility can allow him to play wide and provide crosses to Mbuemo. Something that Haller would thrive off
- Benrahma provides additional support
- Watkins crosses to Mbuemo

3. Pablo Fornals
He’s got all the attributes to become West Ham’s regular number ten. His progressive runs make him a vital attacking asset to the team that could provide additional space for Haller.
- Haller occupies space between defenders
- Fornals is left with space behind

West Ham are yet to utilise Fornals in his best position. His passing ability could bring the best out of Haller. NB here similar to Frankfurt’s set-up above.
- Bacca & Bakambu split and run in-behind the defence
- Fornals splits the defensive line to find Bacca

And again here. Fornals showcases his ability to spot Bakambu’s run.
- Bakambu latches onto the last man
- Fornals passes between the defenders
- Bakambu through on goal

Summary:

• Haller is a talented forward
• West Ham are yet to see the best from him
• Additions of Eze & Watkins could provide additional support that Haller has lacked
• Fornals in his natural position could provide added quality around him

RT’s greatly appreciated