West Ham United attacker Michail Antonio has backed team-mate Dimitri Payet to replicate his breathtaking performances from last season in 2016-17.
The France international has been a sensation since opting to move to east London from Marseille and has quickly become a fans’ favourite.
Payet’s individual performances dragged West Ham up the table last season and resulted in him being shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award.
The 29-year-old has been eased into this campaign slowly by Slaven Bilic following his exertions at Euro 2016 for the competition hosts.
However, Payet is expected to be part of the London side’s starting XI as they face Watford in the Premier League this weekend.
Antonio has talked up his team-mate’s ability and has backed him to be just as good and better this season.
“[Dimitri Payet] is just quality,” the winger told The London Evening Standard.
“Off the pitch he’s the nicest guy ever, so down to earth, so chilled, always has time for everyone.
“Hopefully he can come back nice and fit and pick up where he left off. He takes the mick with some of the boys in training with some of his skills.”
With Manuel Lanzini and Andre Ayew injured currently, Payet’s return to the first-team fold will be critical in West Ham building some positive results in forthcoming weeks.
