Manuel Lanzini and Mauro Zarate linked up well in the frustrating 1-1 draw against West Brom. I feel both players will benefit from having the other on the pitch, Lanzini can relish a more important and central role but not have to worry about being the sole skilful and creative player on the pitch. Whilst Zarate seems motivated and inspired to play well due to the Lanzini impressing in the games so far this season, this connection creates friendly competition, and that hopefully leads to good performances from both players.
In the game against West Brom, both Lanzini and Zarate made space for other players whilst gliding past West Brom players with ease on numerous occasions. The fact that they are both Argentinian surely helps but they appear to have a natural connection and could continue to cause problems for opposing defenders. With the absence of Payet, players like Lanzini and Zarate will need to take more responsibility with regards to creating chances and based on the performances the two players put in yesterday, I would say they will and definitely can do that.
Mauro Zarate has played much better in the games where Lanzini has featured. The two creative players complement each other nicely, Zarate isn’t particularly fast but makes the right pass when he knows he cannot beat a player, whereas Lanzini is quicker and can take players on with relative ease. Lanzini said in an interview recently that “I’m enjoying playing with Zarate, we both come from the same country, so we understand each other on and off the pitch.” I cannot comment on the communication off the pitch, however on the pitch I think we might be witnessing the start of very skilful and creative partnership.
The two Argentinians are different players but as I said earlier they do complement each other. I feel that in the game against Spurs, Lanzini might have felt a bit of pressure as he was the main source of creativity and skill. Whereas, when playing with Zarate in the game against West Brom he appeared more comfortable and that meant he could express himself more. Similarly, Zarate in previous games wasn’t necessarily pushed but with Lanzini in the team, he wants to prove how skilful he can be which in turn lets the whole team play at a higher standard.
In summary, the two Argentinians look as if they might build up an incredibly skilful and rewarding partnership for West Ham. Both players have already contributed this season with goals and I believe that if they play in the same team week in and week out, West Ham can maintain a good position in the league creating lots of chances. The Argentinian connection will hopefully make West Ham fans disappointment at the 3 month absence of Payet a distant memory.
