West Ham’s new signing is a fan of the Arsenal playmaker.
West Ham United summer signing Dimitri Payet says Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is his favourite English player, according to the London Evening Standard.
The controversial 23-year-old, who was fined by the Football Association in June for anti-Tottenham chants, acts as an inspiration to the new West Ham man due to their similarities in style of play.
And Payet is looking forward to clashing with Wilshere during the east London club’s opening Premier League fixture – against the Gunners.
Indeed, he is quoted as saying by the Standard: “Arsenal are the No1 French club in the Premier League and it’s a very tough opening match for us.
“The fact we begin with such a big game means we have to get straight into our stride. It will be a good opportunity to see my favourite English player – Jack Wilshere. We are a little bit similar.”
Very different roles
Payet may be inspired by Wilshere but the duo are likely to play very different roles this season. Indeed, the Frenchman – a marquee summer signing for West Ham – is likely to play a major part in the Hammers’ season should he stay fit.
His Arsenal counterpart, however, will face much heavier competition for a first-team place considering his failure to establish himself as a regular starter at the Emirates Stadium.
Granted, that has had more to do with Wilshere’s fitness than other factors but, on form, he still has a way to go to prove himself better than his competitors in north London.
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