Manuel Lanzini has become one of West Ham’s top players over the last two seasons following his arrival from Al Jazira on an initial loan deal.
The Argentine was little known on these shores but has emerged as one of the Premier Leagues top young attacking midfielders – but how did West Ham come about signing the little jewel?
Club scout Emerson Thomé works almost exclusively in the South American market and keeps tabs on a number of players in the region.
Thomé’s biggest success in South America was recommending Lanzini to club officials. Slaven Bilic was already aware of his talents having tried to sign him at Besiktas but Thomé’s input helped convince the club of signing him.
The 24-year-old impressed on an initial loan spell from Al Jazira last season before West Ham opted to sign the former River Plate man in a £9m deal which was completed last summer.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Thomé likened Lanzini to Juninho and says the club are delighted with his progress:
“He is on a high, he’s a very important player, has a personality, fits the profile of Juninho, short, not athletic enough to be dominant in duels, extremely intelligent. He’s been having success with us, we are extremely pleased with his evolution since his arrival.
“Lanzini was in the Emirates, but we knew him from Argentina. He was wanting to challenge at the highest level, he embraced the (West Ham) cause and corresponded splendidly.
“That’s why I say that football is not measured in a simple way. The ability of mental evolution is what determines where you can reach. The player with the most (ability) is always ahead, I believe that Juninho and Lanzini excel at the competence and quick game decisions. Lanzini, David Silva, Oscar when he was at Chelsea, are all extremely quick in thinking and making decisions.”
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