Maxwel Cornet has been heralded for playing a lead role as West Ham made it back-to-back Europa Conference League victories.
Having started all three previous games in Europe, including in qualifying, the Ivorian was again in from the off and played his part in gaining the victory.
After falling behind inside five minutes, Cornet won a penalty, which Manuel Lanzini dually converted.
Gianluca Scamacca and Craig Dawson then nudged the east London side in front in Silkeborg before the hosts replied in the second half but failed to fashion an equaliser, leaving the Hammers top of Group B with six points.
Cornet was awarded an 8/10 for his performance by football.london writer Jonty Colman, who dubbed the 25-year-old the ‘star man’ and made the following comment: ‘Keeping his place in the team after recovering from a neck injury suffered against FCSB, Cornet was dragged down in the penalty area to give West Ham the chance to get back into the tie early on just minutes after Kusk’s shock opening goal.
‘The best player on the pitch and made such an impact for the visitors.
‘He won the penalty to give the Hammers the lead minutes after going behind. Pressed really well and was incisive with his pass to create Scamacca’s goal to put West Ham in front.
‘Starting to hit a bit of form and has often performed in Europe, as well as in a cameo against Chelsea late on in their last league game, only bolstering his chances of more league minutes to come. Quieter late on, as were most of his teammates, replaced by Pablo Fornals for the last few minutes.’
Despite being restricted to just 24 Premier League minutes since his switch to the London Stadium, Cornet has already proven himself to be a threat in the top flight.
The 29-cap Ivory Coast ace scored nine goals in 26 Premier League games last term at Burnley and thought he had scored his first for the Irons at Chelsea before a controversial VAR decision.
Nevertheless, following a key role in Europe, which saw him make a joint-team high two key passes and one penalty won (SofaScore), it seems a matter of time before Cornet is given more of a chance domestically.
