Bilic, Payet and West Ham’s Champions League dreams
Since arriving at Upton Park last summer, Dimitri Payet has been a breath of fresh air for West Ham United. The France winger, who scored a stunning free-kick for his country whilst on international duty back in March, has helped Slaven Bilic to transform the Hammers from a physical, aggressive side into one that plays free-flowing, entertaining and attacking football. A few years ago, many West Ham fans would have laughed at the idea of Sam Allardyce’s side playing in such an entertaining manner but Bilic and Payet have both helped that dream become a reality this season.
Payet is one of the most talented players in the Premier League and the 29-year-old has already received various accolades for his efforts throughout his maiden campaign in the top flight. In fact, he beat Arsenal star Mesut Ozil to the London Player of the Year award back in January. And with the Hammers set for a move to the vacant Olympic Stadium next season, Payet is the kind of player who will encourage the Hammers to play stylish football in front of a very impressive stadium.
“West Ham United Vs Manchester City” (CC BY 2.0) by joshjdss
During his time at Marseille, Payet was often overlooked and undervalued by both his club and country. He was always on the cusp of greatness but never achieved anything major, which is perhaps why he fell into West Ham’s clutches rather than one of England’s elite clubs. But Payet can now help to take the Hammers to the next level. Although he’s not getting any younger, he still possesses plenty of quality and his attacking talent, work ethic and team play are just three of his greatest traits. If he continues in the same vein next season, Payet could even lead West Ham to the Champions League.
In fact, a Champions League finish isn’t even out of the question this season and West Ham fans are starting to dream of trips to Munich, Turin and Madrid. As of April 1st, the Hammers are just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City and Bilic’s side are in the ascendency. As the race for the top four begins to heat up, Oddschecker can keep you updated on the latest tips, news and odds regarding West Ham and their Premier League rivals. If Bilic’s men continue to pile the pressure on both Manchester clubs, they could snatch that fourth and final Champions League spot.
A top-six finish is more realistic for West Ham this season and that would still constitute an impressive campaign. The Hammers have settled quickly into their stride under Bilic and while most supporters expected the Croatian to lead the club back into the top half of the Premier League, it would be fair to say he has exceeded all expectations during his brief tenure at the helm. And with an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United to come, the Hammers may well be booking their tube tickets across to Wembley for a semi-final clash with Everton later this month.
Bilic’s stability has provided the foundations for West Ham’s resurgence. Last season, the Hammers threatened to break the monopoly of the top four but Allardyce allowed his side to take their foot off the gas. Bilic won’t do that. The Croat is focused on transforming West Ham into one of England’s major forces but remains grounded. The Hammers are an exciting, growing football club and it’s certainly an good time to be a West Ham fan if nothing else. With a bit of luck, Bilic may lead the club to a first FA Cup crown since 1980 this season – a triumph that could be the first of many under the 47-year-old.
“West Ham Vs Birkrikara” (CC BY 2.0) by joshjdss
However, their success isn’t all down to Bilic’s impact at Upton Park. Payet’s arrival gave West Ham something they haven’t had for a long time – a true, world-class talent in their squad. And while Payet remains the most naturally gifted footballer at the club, West Ham’s other players – the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Enner Valencia and Michail Antonio – have all come on leaps and bounds, largely due to the Frenchman’s influence. Confidence is oozing across the entire side and Payet has helped to lift the squad and the Hammers now believe that the Champions League is a genuine possibility.
Payet has received plenty of plaudits for his goalscoring ability since moving to Upton Park but he’s much more than a goalscorer. He’s a creator, he’s an artist. He has a unique ability to glide past not one, not two but three defenders and assist his team-mates. That’s how good he is. While the France star has netted an impressive haul of 11 goals in 30 games, he’s also set up eight more – which shows how much of a team player he is. It doesn’t take a genius to notice that Payet makes West Ham tick and they’re far better when he’s in the side and playing well – which is the hallmark of a truly sensational talent.
And for the Hammers to reach the Champions League, the likes of Payet must continue to inspire the rest of the squad. West Ham aren’t a one-man team, in fact they’re far from it. But it would be foolish to claim that Bilic’s side pose the same threat when he isn’t in the team. Payet is an elite star and the winger knows it. And while some footballers would go hunting for major pay rises and demand contract extensions, the France international has tried to remain focused on his own game and helping the Hammers to reach that next level of English and European football.
For both West Ham and Dimitri Payet, the sky really is the limit. With astute financial investment from the club owners, why can’t the Hammers continue to grow and build for the future? West Ham are an incredibly stable, efficient club but the owners must take the plunge and invest heavily if they are going to achieve their ultimate dreams of European football. Payet has almost single-handedly led West Ham through the FA Cup this season but they should long for much more than that. They deserve much more than that.
We've seen @dimpayet17's goal for @equipedefrance last night. Was it better than his recent #EmiratesFACup strike?https://t.co/LEVHK4DDIc
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2016
Bilic has been an inspiration at the helm and he’s already convinced most West Ham fans that he is the right man to lead the club to the next level at their new home. The Olympic Stadium is an incredible venue that is worthy of hosting a Champions League final, let alone group stage matches. However, the Hammers will settle for group games for now – especially considering how far they’ve come under “Super Slav”. Bilic has got Hammers fans dreaming of Champions League football but those dreams are quickly becoming a reality if they can maintain their form for the remainder of the campaign.
And with Payet pulling the strings, why can’t West Ham reach Europe’s elite club competition? Leicester City are on the verge of securing their place in next year’s tournament so the Hammers could well do the same in what is widely regarded as the craziest season in Premier League history. West Ham have shown enough quality throughout the campaign to suggest they can pip both Manchester City and Manchester United to the fourth and final Champions League spot, they just have to hold their nerve and cope as the pressure begins to mount on those teams fighting at the top.
“West Ham United Vs Manchester City” (CC BY 2.0) by joshjdss
With Manuel Pellegrini’s City crumbling, United in disarray and Liverpool struggling for consistency, the Hammers may not have a better chance to finish in the top four. While they are improving under Bilic, it’s hard to imagine England’s top sides struggling again next year – especially the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. However, with reasonable investment and thorough planning, there’s no reason why West Ham cannot continue to follow the blueprint as they look to build a potential title-winning side in the coming years at the Olympic Stadium.
This summer, Payet will attempt to help France win the European Championship in front of an expectant home crowd. But, for now, the winger will remain focused on helping West Ham to achieve their ultimate goal of Champions League football. A top-six finish would still constitute an excellent season but now that they’re on the cusp of securing a place in Europe’s elite club competition, you cannot blame West Ham’s supporters for wanting more. And, with a bit of luck, Payet could be the man to take them to the next step – whether that’s this season or at some point in the not-too-distant future.
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