West Ham must beware Manuel Lanzini starring for Argentina.
Dimitri Payet’s sensational 2015/16 season for West Ham preceded a quick fall from Hammers idol to hate figure six months later.
While some fans have forgiven the Frenchman for his acrimonious exit, the way he forced his departure tarnished his reputation.
The moment it began to go wrong is easy to pinpoint, his success at Euro 2016 for France.
At the moment he scored the winner for Les Bleus in their opening game on home soil, Payet was catapulted from French nearly man into national hero.
His success made him the target for a number of top clubs and he pushed for a return to France, eventually getting it.
Now West Ham must hope history does not repeat itself with star man Manuel Lanzini being lined up for a prime role at the World Cup.
Lanzini started for Argentina in mid week and is hoping to establish himself as a key player for his country at the tournament.
West Ham know all about just how talented he is, but for many in world football, he is a well kept secret.
A few high profile games playing alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain has the potential to turn him into an overnight sensation.
A starring role for Lanzini in Russia 2018 will make West Ham fans proud, but it is a double edged sword.
Big clubs from Spain and Italy would be gunning for him, and then West Ham would be at the mercy of Lanzini not behaving like Payet.
Surely he won’t go into a sulk and refuse to play if his head is turned, but nobody saw Payet’s tantrum coming.
Lanzini has a chance of real success this summer. West Ham will just have to hope that the exciting chance to work with new manager Manuel Pellegrini is enough to keep his head focused on staying put even if his reputation rises.
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