Manuel Lanzini was exceptional for West Ham United once again on Saturday against Liverpool at Anfield.
The 29-year-old has returned to his best in a Hammers shirt this season, especially since the turn of the year, and what an absolute delight it has been to witness.
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And it’s surely now the case that Lanzini is one of the first names on David Moyes’s West Ham team-sheet alongside Declan Rice, Kurt Zouma and Jarrod Bowen.
The 29-year-old play-maker joined the Hammers on loan from Al Jazira in the summer of 2015. He then made his move to West Ham a permanent one the following year for around £8 million (ESPN).
The South American was brilliant for West Ham during his first couple of years in East London but he regressed badly after suffering an ACL injury in the summer of 2018. Some Hammers fans thought we would never see the best of our little diamond ever again.
Lanzini was an absolute shadow of his former self for the three years following the serious injury that he suffered.
The Argentinian ace has finally rediscovered his best form for West Ham though. He has been sensational this season and has played a pivotal role for the Hammers.
David Moyes was actually contemplating selling him in the summer according to a report from The Athletic. That seems completely unthinkable now, however. What an unbelievable turnaround eh!
Manuel Lanzini now one of first names on West Ham United team-sheet
The former River Plate star brings so much to the table for this Hammers team when David Moyes plays him.
His ability on the ball and composure in possession is something that we don’t otherwise possess in the middle of the park.
Lanzini can break the lines like nobody else at West Ham aside from maybe Declan Rice and Pablo Fornals.
But that’s not all. He has played in the deep-lying role for the Hammers at times this season and has excelled there as well.
Something that the 29-year-old doesn’t get anywhere near enough credit for is his tenacious tackling. His performance away at Liverpool on Saturday was proof of just how good he can be at breaking up play as well.
Manu has averaged 1.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions in 31 games in all competitions for West Ham this season (Who Scored).
That proves that Lanzini has so many more strings to his bow than just impressive technique. He has reinstated himself as an absolutely vital player for West Ham United this season.
And his performances for the Hammers obviously haven’t gone unnoticed. The 29-year-old has just been recalled to the Argentina national team as of today (Mundo Albiceleste).
Robbie Keane recently described the midfielder as an ‘unbelievable’ player, as covered right here on Hammers News.
Having Lanzini back to his best has made a huge difference for West Ham so far this season. And we need him to continue his fine form for the remainder of the campaign.
The diminutive South American is undoubtedly a shoo-in to play for the Hammers week in, week out once again now. It’s like we’ve gone back in time to that glorious 2015/16 campaign! And there is nothing that makes us happier than seeing Manuel Lanzini strutting his stuff in the Claret and Blue.
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