Rio Ferdinand: I’ve argued with pundit after pundit about West Ham ace Lingard
Rio Ferdinand has revealed he’s “argued with pundit after pundit” about the quality of West Ham attacker Jesse Lingard.
Lingard, 28, played a starring role again for West Ham on Sunday in the 3-3 draw with Arsenal. He scored excellently after 15 minutes and assisted Jarrod Bowen to make it 2-0 just moments after.
Speaking on the FIVE podcast, Ferdinand praised Lingard for his intelligence and ability that’s got him back into the England squad. He said: “Jesse Lingard, since he’s gone in there (West Ham), what he’s done it amazing.
“But that’s no surprise to me. I’ve always said it, I’ve argued with pundit after pundit, on-air, off-air, that Jesse Lingard can play in any top team because he’s an intelligent footballer.
“Anyone who knows football surely has to see the kid’s got talent. Knows how to play, knows how to get into space where he can’t be marked. He’s having a great season since he’s gone to West Ham.
“You can see that Gareth [Southgate] trusts him. He’s just hit a little bit of form and he’s straight back in.”
Star signing
In a season that we’ve had so many successful arrivals, Lingard might just top the lot. A big call to make after just seven matches, but his contribution in that time simply can’t be denied.
Since his debut, he’s scored five goals, got two assists and won two penalties, despite not playing a single minute of Premier League football this season prior.
He’s taken West Ham to another level. Without his goal contributions, we’d be three places lower in the table and battling with Arsenal for the top ten. He’s averaging 3.03 shots per 90 minutes, with 54.5% of those hitting the target [WyScout].
It’s so good to see him enjoying his football again. He’s arguably in the best form of his career to date, given the responsibility he has at West Ham. The players and the fans absolutely love him, what a signing he’s been.
In other West Ham news, the lack of squad depth was the undoing of the Hammers against Arsenal.