PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Andre Ayew - Ghanaian could secure cult hero status at West Ham

by Bertin Basson

Wednesday Nov 01, 2017. 16:00

As West Ham United's problems in the English Premier League this season intensify, Andre Ayew has a chance to a make a name for himself at the club.

Having joined from Swansea City ahead of the 2016-17 season, Ayew is hoping to have more of an impact in the current campaign, and he is well on his way to doing just that.

Injury in his maiden Premier League appearance for the Hammers sparked an unfortunate start to his time in England's capital, but six goals in 26 appearances was not a bad return.

But, considering the impact he made in his first season at Swansea City - 12 goals in 35 games - the West Ham faithful expected more from their Ghanaian talisman who joined the club for a then club record fee of £20.5 million

Ayew, who notoriously improves as the season progresses, sparked into life with a brace against Tottenham Hotspur last week as West Ham secured a memorable 3-2 come-from-behind win over Spurs.

The 27-year-old followed that up with a quite extraordinary goal against Crystal Palace and despite a late equalizer from Wilfried Zaha, Ayew received most of the plaudits - even if pressure continues to mount on Slaven Bilić.

It wasn't the result we wanted, but this was some goal by @AyewAndre... 🚀 pic.twitter.com/0rOAZ3GXpV

— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) October 31, 2017

With an unpredictable Liverpool coming to town to face the bubbles at the London Stadium - West Ham fans will be looking to Ayew to lead their charge as the former Marseille man himself goes in search of consistency.

While a repeat of the brace he scored against the Reds for the Swans in May 2016 - when the Welsh club were languishing at the wrong end of the table - won't be enough to secure cult status, it will be a step in the right direction.