West Ham United‘s Manor Solomon has been at the receiving end in Israel for his performances for the national team during the last international break.
The forward ended his time at Tottenham Hotspur and left them permanently to join West Ham in August.
He had a good start with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in the Championship, scoring two goals and contributing two assists from eight league matches. This let him retain his place in Israel manager Ran Ben-Shimon’s squad for September and October’s fixtures.
Israel lost their first two matches against Austria and the Republic of Ireland. They settled for a point each against Kosovo and Ireland [second match at home].
This leaves them in bottom of Group G with two points, three behind Kosovo [second] and Ireland [third].
West Ham player slammed
Manor Solomon started in the first three matches and then dealt with a back problem. He was doubtful for the clash against the Republic of Ireland last weekend. However, the attacker made himself available and played for 18 minutes.
He finished the international break without a goal or an assist from four matches.
Analyst Jonathan Nimrodi is clearly unhappy with the West Ham summer signing’s form for his country and Walla Sport relayed his comments.
He said: “I’m very fond of him on a personal level, he’s a golden boy… but he’s not a good enough player; he won’t be of any help to anyone!”
Good start with West Ham questioned
Former Israel international Eyal Berkovic spent most of his playing career in the UK. He had spells at Southampton, West Ham United, Celtic, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Portsmouth.
The 54-year-old, who knows about English football firsthand, also criticises West Ham United’s Manor Solomon. Sport1 Maariv have relayed his comments.
“Manor isn’t scoring. I’ve criticised the media for hyping up all the players and I don’t see it that way. I said about Khalili that he leaves gaps and doesn’t know how to close them,” Berkovic explained.
“I said about Manor that whilst everyone was talking about what a mad start to the season he’d had, I said I watch the matches and he’s already struggling to get past a player. I’ve seen it all again now with the national team.”
