Garth Crooks names West Ham ace Lingard in team of the week
West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard has had a big influence on the squad already and is proving his critics wrong, according to Garth Crooks.
The pundit heaped praise on our attacking midfielder whilst giving his Premier League team of the week for the BBC.
Crooks said: “What a statement of intent West Ham’s loan signing from Manchester United has made. His goals against Aston Villa were well taken but his performance was quite revealing.
“He may be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, but given how little first-team football he has played this season, Lingard has certainly kept himself in good shape. He couldn’t have has such an impactful match at Villa if he hadn’t.
“His performance against Fulham a few days later was further indication of his focus. To have such an influence on a new team so soon says volumes for the lad and flies in the face of his critics.”
Proving a point
Lingard was harshly treated at United. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes definitely hindered his progress. Opportunities to play since his arrival were non-existent.
He’s proven so much already after just two games for the Hammers, in particular, his debut at Villa Park. The number eleven scored two debut goals in a man of the match performance against a good Aston Villa side.
Lingard completed 91% passing accuracy in the game, had six shots on goal, and completed 100% of his crossing [WyScout]. He also made three recoveries and absolutely ran his socks off, not bad for his first League appearance in the entire campaign.
He managed good numbers in the goalless draw with Fulham, too. The Englishman completed 88% of his passes accurately and again maintained 100% crossing. He also had 67% of his dribbles successful.
As Crooks says, to achieve these levels of performance despite playing next-to-no football this season are a testament to Lingard.
Despite being left in the dark at United he’s maintained an excellent level of professionalism, and kept his head down to work hard.
It’s excellent for us that he feels he has such a point to prove. He’ll continue to push right till the end of the season, as he targets a return to the national set-up.
In other West Ham news, here are three things to look out for as we clash with Manchester United in the FA Cup.