It’s been a while since we’ve had a genuine world class international playing for the Hammers. This season though, we’ve got Payet. Whilst Hodgson has snubbed a number of West Ham players, Payet has become a central part of French manager Didier Descamps’ plans. If Payet’s form this season is anything to go by, he could become one of the sensations of the summer.
Exceptional first season in the Premier League
Little over a year ago, Payet was in the international wilderness and was not expected to feature for France. However, his trailblazing first season at Upton Park has forced Deschamps’ hand.
There were questions over whether the 29-year- old could adapt to the intensity of English football. Payet quickly put these doubts to rest. His mesmerising dribbling skills and toolbox of tricks allowed him to run riot against the best of defences. Moreover, Payet has an excellent reading of the game and technical ability, allowing him to pass the ball with deadly accuracy. The icing on the cake has been his spectacular free kicks, such as a gravity-defying effort against Crystal Palace. Few would dispute that Payet is one of the most accomplished dead ball specialists in the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilLxVuKppbY
The Frenchman finished the season with an impressive return of 12 goals and 12 assists from 38 appearances. His contribution earned him the West Ham Player of the Season award, and a place on the Premier League Team of the Season.
Impressive displays for France
Payet was recalled to the French side in March for the friendlies against Holland and Russia. He knewhe’d have to impress, and he did exactly that. Payet was a constant presence in the 3-2 win over Holland, creating six chances and hitting the post.
In the following match against Russia, Payet came off the bench and delivered one of his trademark free kicks. The long range screamer was utterly unsaveable, and truly marked Payet’s return to the international fold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y00xMvCk8yE
It was a message of intent that left an impression on Didier Deschamps:
“He confirmed with us what he has been doing with his club… Every time he touched the ball, he made something happen. He has enormous qualities and made a massive effort. He is on top form.”
How Payet slots into the French side
Didier Deschamps prefers the 4-3- 3 formation. Payet seems most likely to start on the left of the front three, along with Griezmann and Martial. This is a system that Payet can excel in. Payet can play the role of the creative outlet on the left side. With his ability to cross, pick out deadly passes and through balls, he can provide a ready supply line for Griezmann and Martial. He is also goalscoring threat in his own right. We all know how dangerous he can be when he cuts in from the left and unleashes one of his vicious long shots.
Ultimately, Payet is a match winner who can produce individual moments of brilliance. This is something that France will need to breakdown the resolute and organised defences of Switzerland and Romania.
Questions over Payet’s mentality
In the past, Payet has had his attitude questioned. This seems to originate from his days at Saint-Étienne, where he refused to turn up to training after having a transfer request refused. In the same vein, people having questioned his motivation, noting his history of inconsistent performances.
Payet has also been outspoken in regard to Deschamps’ selection policy. In reaction to being left out of the French squad at the beginning of the season, Payet bemoaned what he saw as an ‘injustice’. For his part, Deschamps has displayed something of a hostile attitude to Payet. He was allegedly unhappy with the fact that Payet left Marseille for West Ham. In Deschamps view, Payet had abandoned a prestigious French club for a lucrative Premier League payday.
However, anyone who has followed Payet this season will know that this view is unfair. He has moved into an incredibly competitive league, and helped propel West Ham to their best league performance in a decade. This in itself shows ambition and drive. Furthermore, he seems to have eradicated his tendency to fluctuate wildly between games.
At heart, though, Payet now seems like a more mature and grounded player. Perhaps the act of acclimatising to a new culture and taking on a different challenge has changed his mentality. He looks much more serious, and his petulant side has been curtailed.
The big stage
Everything looks set for Payet to have an excellent tournament. He has been on top form, gained the renewed faith of the French management, and he looks more capable of handling the pressures and responsibilities of international football.
Payet may well arrive at the Olympic stadium in August as one of the stand out players in Europe.
