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Richard Keys fears West Ham ace Dimitri Payet wants to be elsewhere

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet applauds fans after the game (Reuters)
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West Ham hero Dimitri Payet has had a tough start to the season.

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet applauds fans after the gameWest Ham United’s Dimitri Payet applauds fans after the game

Dimitri Payet showed his class last week, scoring a sensational free-kick to help West Ham beat Accrington Stanley.

The French international has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League though, with West Ham as a whole club turning in disappointing performances.

Television pundit and anchor Richard Keys has criticised the playmaker, suggesting he simply wants to be somewhere else.

France's Dimitri Payet celebrates after scoring their second goalFrance’s Dimitri Payet celebrates after scoring their second goal

Writing on his blog, Keys said: “This time around they’re a shadow of themselves. So is Payet. Perhaps he’s struggling at the moment after all the excesses of the past 12 months, but right now he looks like a player that wants to be elsewhere. West Ham need him again – and fast.”

Passing AccuracyWon TackleKey PassesCrossing AccuracyWon ContestShots On TargetAssistsGoalsAppearancesMins Played
Dimitri Payet81%21535%112304293

Payet missed the first two games due to an extended break after Euro 2016, and also missed a large part of the pre-season as a result.

With the Hammers underwhelming, Payet is in part a victim of his own high standards. He has created 15 chances in four games, and created three assists.

The only thing missing from his league performances is a goal, and when the team defend as atrociously as they have done in recent weeks, it piles more pressure on him to produce.

He is an easy target as the most high profile player in West Ham’s team, and questions will keep on coming from all angles while they sit in the relegation zone.

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet in action with West Bromwich Albion's Claudio YacobWest Ham United’s Dimitri Payet in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Claudio Yacob