Every time Pablo Fornals has stepped onto the pitch at the Under 21 Euros, he’s come off it having shown some kind of genius quality.
In the first game he came off the bench to display his passing ability – making two key passes in 23 minutes – then came the late winner against Belgium, which was followed by his opener against Poland.
His encounter with the highly regarded France team, who Spain beat 4-1, was to be no different, as he popped up with this wonderful assist:
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) June 28, 2019
The arc he got on the ball, to curl it round the French defenders but keep it out of the goalkeeper’s reach, to get it right on Borja Mayoral’s foot on the half volley was simply sublime.
It wasn’t just this moment that made Fornals though, as he was named as man of the match by WhoScored, getting a rating of 8.5.
With this consistent level of high quality, it is hard to blame West Ham fans for getting excited about seeing him in claret and blue – the idea of him linking up with Felipe Anderson and the Hammers’ other attacking talent is bringing a true sense of optimism for many.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the cross, including posts from enthused West Ham fans, can be seen below:
Yh this lad is slightly good isn’t he
— Oliver Bruton (@olliebruton) June 28, 2019
We’ve got Fornals……..
— John Spencer (@Spencerjohn7) June 28, 2019
Hasnt kicked a ball 4 us and im already like
— tracey andrews (@lemlem75) June 28, 2019
— Kieran (@WHUmeatyyyy) June 28, 2019
Flames son.
— Lee Ford (@Fordyas) June 28, 2019
With a right foot like that who needs one?
— Smiffy (@SmiffyIrons) June 28, 2019