West Ham new boy Fornals reveals the Spanish wizard he tries to copy

By Tom Procter

Pablo Fornals wants to get up and running quickly for West Ham United, and will attempt to copy a brilliant former Premier League star.

The Spaniard tasted glory with Spain at the U21 European Championships in Italy having put in a string of impressive performances.

(Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)

The attacking midfielder, who cost £24 million from Villarreal (BBC Sport), scored twice and made one assist at the tournament, leaving some Hammers fans very excited about what to expect from their new signing.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper El Pais but quoted by the club’s official website, Fornals explained how he plays, and who he is trying to emulate out on the pitch

He said: “When you learn to be in contact with the ball from a young age you learn to move a lot.

(Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)

Sometimes I get into places where it is difficult to control and turn, so I try to make things fast and easy, like [Santi] Cazorla, only he naturally plays the same with both feet, I do not have that, I try to compensate with other things.

Sometimes I run with the ball more, sometimes less. I try not to lose a lot of balls because if you don’t have the ball you run more, the game goes crazy and you will start to suffer.”

TBR’s view

West Ham fans will be pleased to hear Fornals is influenced by former Arsenal magician Cazorla.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

His time in English football was interrupted a lot by various injuries, but the star was often spellbinding when fit.

Known for his ability to use both feet, Cazorla was one of the league’s best attacking midfielders a few years ago.

If Fornals can reach his level in a few years, then Irons fans are in for a real treat.