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West Ham boss suggests a similarity between Payet and Ronaldo

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet (REUTERS)
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West Ham United star Dimitri Payet is not exactly in great form at the moment.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has suggested in The London Evening Standard that Dimitri Payet is targeted for criticism just like Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.

Payet is the best player on the books of West Ham at the moment, but the France international attacking midfielder has not exactly been in great form so far this season.

There have been occasions when the 29-year-old has been superb, while there have been times when the former Marseille star could have done better.

Bilic has suggested that Payet is being singled out for criticism just like Madrid forward Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world, but the Portuguese superstar does get criticised whenever he has a less than impressive game.

West Ham's Dimitri Payet

“Every big player has that burden of expectation because they set a high standard,” Bilic wrote in The London Evening Standard about Payet. “They are the ones who have to produce and it is hard for them to do that week in and week out.

“It’s the same with all the great players. If Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t produce for a couple of games, then questions are asked around the football world, not only in Madrid.

“That is also why they are the best players — because the manager, their team-mates, the fans, are expecting top performances from the top players.”

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet

Payet has scored one goal and created 32 chances in eight Premier League appearances for West Ham so far this season.

The Hammers have a good squad and can still launch a challenge for a top-six finish.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has scored five goals and created six chances in seven La Liga games for Madrid so far this campaign.

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