Manuel Lanzini has scored four times in his 11 Premier League appearances for West Ham United.
Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, which was broadcast on November 21st, that Manuel Lanzini is now West Ham United’s most crucial player.
With Dimitri Payet ruled out for three months through injury, West Ham’s players will be required to up their games to cover for the Frenchman’s absence.
And Nicholas feels that Slaven Bilic should move Lanzini into a more central role, to compensate for the loss of Payet.
“He can’t fill that void, but he can do a different role,” Nicholas said. “I feel that he’s a very talented player, but I wonder if Slaven Bilic would be interested in changing his role – and put him in a central area, rather than floating on the right.
“What I would suggest, is to let him go and take Payet’s role on. He does put the graft in, and he’s not as good as Payet, but his all round game in fantastic.
“I think if you are going to replace that position with someone who is closest, he’s the man. He is the key player now.”
Payet had been West Ham’s talisman for the opening few mnonths of the campaign, and his injury is a major blow to Bilic’s side’s chances.
Payet has been West Ham’s main creator so far this season, while he has also chipped in with his fair share of goals.
Lanzini has also showcased his quality at Upton Park since arriving over the summer, though, and he will be keen to take on added responsibility.
The 22-year-old has netted four times in his 11 Premier League appearances thus far, and he scored in West Ham’s most recent outing against Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham are next in action this weekend when they take on West Bromwich Albion.
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