Javier Hernandez is not yet fully fit but will become “a really important player” for West Ham, says assistant boss Nikola Jurcevic.
The Mexico striker, signed for £16million from Bayer Leverkusen last week, made his first appearance for the Hammers last night as they drew 3-3 with fourth-tier German side Altona 93.
Hernandez started pre-season later than his team-mates because he played in the Confederations Cup, which ran to the start of last month.
Jurcevic said: “He was a plus point from this game.
“He spent a few days with us and played about 20 minutes which was very important for him to feel how he will play with West Ham United.
“In this moment he is not 100 per cent physically fit but he is working hard and for him it was very important to play 20 minutes last night.
“He showed in that short time that he is a very different offensive player. He likes to have the ball in space, he is always on the offside line and he will be an important player for us.”
