Age is merely a number. For Dimitri Payet on his 29th birthday, a sublime free kick into the top left corner in France’s 4-2 victory over Russia proves there is much more to come from the attacking midfielder at West Ham.
YouTube: Payet Amazing Freekick vs Russia HD
Paolo Di Canio thinks so too. This is what the West Ham legend said when he was asked about West Ham’s French talisman:
Payet is a fantastic footballer. He can be a cracker for a few years to come. He works hard for the team, off the ball as well as on it. Look at the top footballers, the ones who play for Arsenal or Manchester City, and they are not doing it like Payet. That proves that he is a very talented player.
Payet arrived in the summer from Marseille and has already signed a contract extension with the Hammers to keep the Frenchman in east London until 2021. With 11 goals and 10 assists for West Ham, Payet may be the Premier League signing of the year, according to Di Canio.
As an individual, Payet is one of the best signings this year in the Premier League. Just look at his numbers this season and they will show you that.
West Ham sit one point off of Manchester City for fourth place in the Premier League, and are one victory away from facing Everton at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup semifinal. Di Canio believes Slaven Bilic is the one to praise.
You see that the club’s mentality, the methodology and the philosophy has changed completely. There is a brain and mentality and work ethic, which is all thanks to Bilic. This club can now look forward to the future.
