Two attacking players look set to return to the West Ham team soon as Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho both have large parts to play in the Hammers’ chances of getting a Europa league spot.
Manuel Lanzini has performed extremely well and rightly earned himself a place in the first team. The Argentinian playmaker’s performances have not been so widely recognised due to Payet’s immense contribution to the team, although the Upton Park faithful know what the 23-year-old is capable of. Similarly, Diafra Sakho creates numerous chances just through his impressive work rate, and that is something which Enner Valencia struggles with.
Valencia has impressed in the absence of Sakho and Carroll, although with those two in particular strikers, West Ham’s attacking options have improved.
West Ham’s squad this season is the best squad we have had in my lifetime. The fact that we are in sixth place despite last season’s top goal scorer being injured for several months illustrates the exciting nature of the squad. Not only is the return of Lanzini incredibly beneficial for the team from a creative point of view, but his return will only enhance Payet’s performance.
Dimitri Payet’s performances of late have not reflected the calibre of player we know he is but he has responded well since signing the new contract. The pressure is lifted slightly from Payet’s shoulders because he knows that Lanzini can come up with a moment of magic and the two work well together.
Payet and Lanzini are an excellent combination for the Hammers
Sakho’s return is most welcome because when all the strikers in the West Ham squad are fit, the Senegalese international is the best. It seems a long time since he arrived from Metz and people did not expect much from him, although he has proved his finishing ability to the West Ham fans time and time again.
Whilst Sakho hasn’t been as impressive this season, he still is more prolific and more capable of playing a lone striker role in comparison to other attackers in the squad. Payet has at times this season been man marked out of the game whereas with Lanzini playing, the opposing defenders have another flare player to worry about.
Even if Sakho does not come straight back into the first team, he will challenge strikers who are currently fit such as Valencia, Carroll and Emenike to play better. There is lots of competition within the squad now and with these two integral attacking players returning, the team looks incredibly threatening.
In summary, West Ham have an up and coming squad which strikes a brilliant balance between experience and youth. Lanzini and Sakho have both contributed massively to the West Ham team scoring 22 goals combined since they both arrived in East London. Lanzini brings excitement and Sakho brings goals, West Ham are fortunate to have those players returning to an already successful team.
