da heads bet： If recent reports coming from Corriere della Serra are true, West Ham are one of the clubs interested in the services of AC Milan hitman Krzysztof Piatek.
da realsbet： The 24-year-old centre-forward has been hit and miss in the ongoing 2019/20 campaign for the Rossoneri, bagging four goals prior to matchday 18 in Serie A.
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The same outlet has dubbed him the “ghost of the player he was” but even though his current figures are far from otherworldly, there is still talent and potential hidden beneath that rough surface.
To find out just how good he actually is and give the Hammers faithful a clearer idea of the type of player their club are interested in, we sought the opinions of those who know him best.
Here’s what they had to say…
Gennaro Gattuso, former Milan manager
Gattuso had the privilege of coaching Piatek during his short stint as the Rossoneri’s gaffer.
Back then, he heaped praise on the young forward, highlighting his strength and speed and even comparing him to one of Milan’s greatest strikers, Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Here’s what he said on one occasion, as quoted by ACMilanInfo:
“I like him. I see him, he’s a curious boy, observes everybody.
“He has great desire, it gives me the feeling that he’s a boy who loves staying at Milanello. He’s enthusiastic. Paolo (Maldini) said it previously, Piatek looks a little like Tomasson.”
And then on another one, as quoted by TeamTalk:
“Piatek is quick and strong as defenders always have to back-track when he is on the field which opens up space for the other players. He really helps the team out with his movements.”
Mattia Caldara, Milan defender
Caldara knows Piatek quite well, seeing how he still shares the pitch with the young forward.
He was also quick to shower his teammate with praise, also comparing him to one of the greats of the past in Filippo Inzaghi.
Here’s what he said while speaking to Event Tour BPM media (via SempreMilan):
“Piatek immediately impressed me with his desire, he lives for goals like Inzaghi.”
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Andriy Shevchenko, former Milan player
Shevchenko is a player who needs little introduction and getting praise from him would be a massive thing for any young striker trying to make his name on the footballing stage.
But the great Ukrainian icon did more than just praise Piatek – he even called him his heir.
Here’s what he said for Sport Mediaset (via Daily Mail):
“He’s my heir. He has incredible instinct in front of goal and scored goals of a great striker.
“He shoots well with both feet and is good with his head. He’s helping Milan a lot.”
Verdict
The ongoing campaign hasn’t really been the best for Piatek but that doesn’t necessarily mean he is no longer a great player.
The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic might hinder his development, however, and maybe a move away from Italy could be good for him.
West Ham are waiting…