Payet was probably the most skilful player I've ever seen at West Ham. There were plenty of moments to treasure last season; those free kicks against Bournemouth, Man United and Crystal Palace; running the length of the field to score against Blackburn; that dinked third goal at Palace; his brace against Newcastle; a late winner at Everton and the crosses that set up the epic final win at the Boleyn against Man United. What a shame that his quality as a man couldn't match his quality on the field. We sang your name and you repaid us by going on strike. It's a healthy profit on a player who is soon to be 30, but if ever there was a wrong way to leave a club, this was it.
There were a couple of great moments this season, such as his solo goal against Middlesbrough and free kick at Anfield. But after starring in the Euros it was soon obvious he was distracted back at West Ham and only playing at eighty per cent. Last season he had scored five by November, before he was crocked against Everton. This season he has scored only two league goals despite playing until January. He could still take a great set-piece, but sometimes he wasn't tracking back or pushing himself enough. Yes, he might have had family problems and the club didn't sign a quality striker, but that's no excuse for not putting in a shift and then refusing to play, all while on £120k a week. Dimitri and his agent should have been honest enough to make a written transfer request.
Yet ultimately Payet appears to have done the club a service, judging by the last two results without him. Even if you have a genius, if he's not paying at full intensity, it affects the morale of the whole squad. No player is bigger than West Ham United, but I just don't think Dimitri understands.
7 comments:
For me Di Canio was a better player..Probably because of his passion for WestHam.
This Payet was just using the club to get in the spot light for the Euros.
He got what he wanted.
I'm glad Slaven got his way with the board..Because we need to move on. This story is over..The club and the supporters are closer because of this.
Time to win some football games..coyi!!
Sorry Pete, I know that football is very much a game of opinions and given that you've been watching for many years, I find your statement that Payet is the most skilful player you have ever seen play for West Ham absolutely astounding. Ability wise he's nowhere near Brooking, Devonshire or Di Canio and I would argue that Joe Cole, Berkovic and Sinclair were also equal, if not more skilful. All through last season I never understood what all the fuss was about with our departing reptile. Take away the free kick delivery and you have a player incapable of imposing himself on a game formore than 20 mins and truly incapable of causing a decent side any problems at all, aside from set pieces. Fundamentally a less hard committed Nobby Solano. For me Monsieur Payet is, ability wise, the most overrated player in West Ham history.
Can't agree Anonymous, I do think he was immense last season and his ability to make and score goals, plus his free kicks made him very special. Di Canio and Brooking were more loyal yes, but I think on sheer talent, if not attitude, he edges it. Though as you say it's a game of opinions!
Thanks for responding Pete and spot on, the differing opinions are what makes it interesting. However, and sorry to labour the point, I never witnessed Payet dominate a game from start to finish in a way those players did countless times. Payet was capable of moments of brilliance, generally set piece related, but they were just moments, never part of a complete performance. Brooking, Dev and PDC were all capable of giving 90 minute performances and incorporating those magic moments in conditions and against teams far superior to anything that Payet faced. The best performance I ever saw from a West Ham player was PDC against Arsenal in 1999. Arsenal had the likes of Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Adams and Overmars and PDC was head and shoulders above all of them from final whistle to last. It was a performance that our former French fancy could only dream of producing against such an exceptional team.
I do remember Payet having a great 90-minute game in the 2-2 with Man City and the amount of chances and assists he created suggest he didn't drift out out of games that much last season. We did win away at Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City with him in the side. But yes, PDC up there too, I will never forget the Bradford game, the Wimbledon goal or demolishing Chelsea away. He did play in a relegated side at the end though and I'd say Payet edged it on skill and goals created, but both brilliant players. Bobby Moore was one of the best players I ever saw late on in his career but in a completely different position. Brooking and Dev would be in my West Ham XI too of course...
Great memories Pete and I think we'll have to agree to disagree on the Payet front. Looking forward to reading more of your thoughts and opinions. All the best, Anon.
Some interesting opinions here. He was surely our best player since Tevez; beyond that it's all up for grabs. I just hope it's not another decade before we get someone as good.
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