West Ham flop Jonathan Calleri inspiring a shock La Liga start for Alaves

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As Barcelona dealt out a thrashing to Real Madrid in El Clasico at the weekend it distracted attention away from another result. Deportivo Alaves defeated Villarreal 2-1 at home to record their third win on the bounce, including a win against Real Madrid themselves. A 90th-minute goal from Swansea City flop Borja Baston against his former team proved enough for Alaves to claim all three points. It also keeps them second in La Liga, just one point behind Barcelona, after a shock start to the campaign.

But whilst a Swansea flop bagged the headlines, it was one more familiar with West Ham fans that got things started.

Jonathan Calleri bagged the equalising goal in the 51st minute and West Ham fans will be flabbergasted at his form this season.

West Ham’s hunt for strikers in August 2016 saw Slaven Bilic turn to the talented Argentine. He joined from controversial Uruguayan club Deportivo Maldonado on a season-long loan deal.

Calleri’s time at West Ham was, largely, forgettable. He featured sparingly for West Ham. In 19 games for the club, he managed to score just once in a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough.

At the end of his loan spell, it was no surprise West Ham decided not to keep him. The next stop on his career was in Spain, joining Las Palmas last year on a similar loan deal.

Things started to turnaround for Calleri in Gran Canaria. He played over 40 games and scored 12 goals for the club. Unfortunately, the club was relegated and Calleri wanted to remain in La Liga. Alaves soon came calling. Looking to build on a 14th placed finish the season before, the Basque side snapped up Calleri and the results have been clear.

After fighting his way into the first team, the West Ham flop has been brilliant for El Glorioso. Calleri has scored three times in seven appearances and become a key player for the club.

Alaves are now hoping to build on their brilliant start to the season and will be aiming to sneak into Europe by the end of the campaign.

If Calleri can help Alaves to such an impressive feat, it will certainly have West Ham fans scratching their heads.