Jesse Lingard has told BT Sport that he already absolutely loves playing alongside West Ham United duo Michail Antonio and Declan Rice.
Lingard made a dream debut after arriving on loan from Manchester United, as he helped West Ham to a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa last night.
The England international scored twice and looked a constant threat throughout, as he knitted West Ham’s play together brilliantly.
But Lingard says that his job was made far easier by the likes of Antonio and Rice, who also did their jobs so effectively.
“Three points is the most important thing, the team worked hard as a collective and we think about the next one against Fulham,” Lingard said.
“The team have been great with me, I have settled in fairly quickly and some familiar faces help.
“In training we have that connection and built it up fairly quickly. On matchday it is fairly easy to play with Michail Antonio and Declan Rice.
“I started tonight, scored two goals and got three points. I was smiling before the game and during, I just enjoy playing football.”
Lingard has been starved of first-team football this season, but last night’s display was a timely reminder of his quality.
If West Ham can continue to look such an attacking threat over the rest of the season with Lingard involved then there should be real excitement about their future, too.
West Ham are currently lurking just outside the top four, with David Moyes doing a brilliant job.
There is now growing optimism that they could put together a push for Europe, and Lingard looks set to play a key role in attempting to continue to help West Ham climb the table.
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