London Irish said:It's actually his first season when he has held down a regular place in the team rather than just had a bunch of games here and there. I think that's a great step forward for him and he is developing well.
I disagree that he has developed well. I think this is because of a number of reasons. Firstly last year he had nothing to lose whereas this year expectation has been on him, especially to score goals, and I think the weight of that expectation and his early season misses have caused a lack of confidence that is making him play within himself.
Secondly, he has had a number of midfield partners which has made it hard for him to settle into his own game.
Finally, I feel Hammond needs someone to do the nuts and bolts in midfield while he gets on with the attacking runs. The expectation on him right now is to boss the midfield and be that Lampard type player, which he clearly isn't. He doesn't have the range of passing or the tackling ability to do it. However he is more of a David Platt type player, popping up in the box and playing shot passes around the edge of the area.