Premier League football has been postponed until April 3rd at the very earliest. If we’re all being honest, however, it will probably be a lot longer than just a three-week break from action. And in a roundabout way, it might just be good news for one West Ham player in particular.
Manuel Lanzini has been in absolutely horrendous form this season. The 27-year-old Argentine has racked up just two assists in 19 Premier League outings for the Hammers since the start of the campaign (Who Scored).
And that quite simply isn’t good enough for a player with Lanzini’s talent.
The play-making midfielder joined West Ham on loan in the summer of 2015, before making his switch a permanent one the following summer for around £9 million (The Guardian).
David Moyes tried to play the 27-year-old throughout his poor spell of form. But that didn’t work.
And the South American has been banished to the bench for West Ham’s last few games.
His confidence must be at an absolute all-time low.
Coronavirus hiatus perfect for struggling Lanzini
The enforced break from action has come at just the right time for the Argentine.
The former River Plate man, who earns £70,000 per week according to Spotrac, will now have time out of the spotlight. He can gather his thoughts, work on his fitness and come back with a fresh mindset whenever football does actually resume.
The break also might inject some hunger back into the 27-year-old’s game. Hopefully he will be far more motivated to produce the goods when Premier League action returns.
Lanzini recently signed a new long-term deal with the Hammers – one that runs until the summer of 2023.
So if he can prove that he still has what it takes, he will undoubtedly still have a future at West Ham. It’s all in the Argentine’s hands. And hopefully the break from action will aid him as he strives to return to his best.
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