By West Ham Zone speaking to Frank McAvennie

25th Jan, 2023 | 6:10pm

Pundit doesn't understand why Manuel Lanzini has been outcasted by West Ham United boss David Moyes

We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…

Frank McAvennie doesn’t understand why Manuel Lanzini can’t get a look in at West Ham under David Moyes despite the team’s recent struggles.

Lanzini has been restricted to just one Premier League start so far this season and just 124 minutes of action in total in the league (via WhoScored), with the Hammers struggling and just one point above the relegation zone.

Despite those issues in the side, Lanzini hasn’t had a look in and McAvennie says whatever Moyes is trying to do isn’t working, and called for the Argentine to play alongside Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen to get more creativity in the side.

“I don’t understand why,” he told West Ham Zone.

“I like Lanzini and I could understand why he was leaving him out because Benrahma was playing so well. But now he’s leaving Benrahma out. I don’t get it.

“If you’re leaving Benrahma out, you put Lanzini in. You don’t put Fornals in, because he’ll get into the box and score goals but he’s not a playmaker. Benrahma and Lanzini are playmakers. They love getting the ball and creating chances.

“He’s been leaving Benrahma out. Soucek’s not kicked a ball for a long time. [Downes] was like a breath of fresh air, chasing everything because he’s got the club at heart – his dad’s a West Ham fan. But he’s out now too.

“I don’t know whether David is trying the old safe and trusted players, but it’s not working.

“Me, I’d play Lanzini and Benrahma. Get Bowen, get them on the ball and they’ll create chances for the striker that’s for sure. I’d get my creative players on the pitch, because especially in the final third there’s nothing happening. Give him a chance.“