A few weeks ago I wrote an article in which I argued that Dimitri Payet could be one of the stars of Euro 2016. Even I could not have predicted just how great his impact has actually been.
Coming into the tournament, there were doubts about whether Payet would even be in the first team for France. Few of the lists that identified potential players of the tournament had Payet’s name in it. However, Didier Deschamps gave him a starting place for the opening match against Romania. Payet repaid Deschamps in impressive fashion. In a match where France as a whole looked somewhat workmanlike, Payet was a shining light. He was a constant menace, dancing his way through the Romanian defence. He broke the deadlock in the game, delivering an excellent weighted pass to set up Giroud.
When Romania equalised, it was Payet who saved the day. In the dying minutes, he scored with a spectacular curling shot from outside of the box. Payet was now a national hero. His tears as he walked off the pitch shows what it meant to him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9FMpoeeSBk
Payet’s display against Albania was equally as remarkable. On a night where the team floundered, Payet weaved his magic. He seemed almost flawless, the ball stuck to his feet as he dribbled and mesmerized through Albania. His stunning 95th minute shot put the game out of sight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekQZeMIxIKA
The Frenchman’s heroics will be a source of immense pride for Hammers everywhere. It has been a long time since we have had a true world-beater on our books. His exploits have put this club on the map.
Indeed, Slaven Bilic seemed as overwhelmed as anyone with Payet’s success. Appearing as a pundit on ITV during the France matches, he was visibly emotional when Payet scored his stunner against Albania.
However, Bilic and West Ham fans now face a double-edged sword. Payet’s performances have raised the interest of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. As his stock continues to rise, the transfer rumours will only multiply.
We must hope that the gifted Frenchman stays in East London. For one, West Ham seems to have no desire to sell. Payet is irreplaceable. For Payet himself, he has so much left to achieve at West Ham after his magical debut season. The club is on the up, and he could be a central part of West Ham’s long-term rise to the elite of English football.
Most importantly, West Ham is a place where Dimitri Payet is truly revered. He is well on his way to becoming a club legend.
