When West Ham signed Dimitri Payet from Marseille earlier this summer, many Hammers fans were left scratching their heads at the surprise decision to chase the winger. The 28-year-old is a quite unique brand of player and possesses many of the traits to suggest that he will be a long-term hit at Upton Park. In his early Hammers career, Payet has been instrumental in West Ham’s early season form and has played a key role in their phenomenal Premier League form. Slaven Bilic’s men have already earned away victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – showing just how stern and organised the Hammers are on the road.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNle8sJU5-U
While their defensive displays have been impressive, Payet’s ability to spark off counter attacks has allowed West Ham’s other midfielders to sit a little deeper. The France international is quick, skillful and has terrific technique with the ball at his feet. He’s incredibly difficult to dispossess and boasts similar traits to that of Chelsea star and last season’s Premier League Player of the Season Eden Hazard. Payet has been in unplayable form so far this campaign and will have a big part to play if the Hammers, who are priced at 23/20 with 32Red, are to beat Alex Neil’s Norwich City next weekend.
Fellow Frenchmen Andre Ayew and Anthony Martial have also impressed since arriving at Swansea City and Manchester United earlier this summer but Payet has perhaps made the biggest impact on the Premier League. The West Ham star has racked up three goals and two assists in his first six top flight matches but his contributions go much further than this. His ability to take the pressure off West Ham’s defence is crucial and will continue to bear fruit throughout the season as Bilic’s men aim to finish in the top half of the division this season. In fact, if the Hammers continue their excellent form for the next six months, there’s no evidence to suggest that they cannot go on to finish in a Europa League spot.
I know it's early and everyone says they'll fade but I think West Ham is at least a Europa league team.
— Cheddar T (@Tjamily) September 20, 2015
In a way, Payet’s arrival and immediate impact has allowed Bilic to adjust West Ham’s style of play. Traditionally, the Hammers have been criticised for their ‘boring’ style of play and for large periods, particularly under Sam Allardyce, it was easy to understand why criticism came their way. However, Bilic has transformed West Ham into an entertaining, free-flowing side that can remain organised and reliable defensively but also create opportunities with their flair players in attack. The former Croatia manager has certainly played a huge role in West Ham’s sincere improvement in the early stages of the campaign and deserves plenty of the plaudits for their heroics, particularly in the incredible away victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
West Ham are a well-oiled, solid side and Payet is a key reason for their success and organisation. The France international allows the Hammers to get set in a defensive formation but also manages to find gaps between the opposing midfield and defences before exploiting defensive lines with killer through-balls. Payet’s vision, awareness and skill with the ball at feet are arguably his top three attributes and those are all skills that help players to succeed in the Premier League. Payet’s ability to run down the clock, particularly in tight matches, is essential but he’s also integral to their attacking unit. West Ham have currently scored the most goals in this season’s Premier League, netting 13 in just six fixtures.
32Red are offering West Ham at 9/1 to finish in the top six this season and many Hammers supporters will believe those odds are very tempting, especially if Payet maintains his level of performance throughout the campaign. The France international is, and will be, crucial to their aspirations and will continue to play a key role at the club for the duration of his contract. At 28 years old, he’s in the peak of his career and has certainly adapted incredibly quickly to both the pace and tenacity of the Premier League. With a bit of luck, Payet will lead the Hammers to a respectable top-half finish this season and they could even sneak into the top six if they continue to surprise the top flight’s bigger clubs.
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