Tony Cottee labels Manuel Lanzini as ‘best footballer’ in West Ham squad
Tony Cottee has claimed that West Ham United playmaker Manuel Lanzini is the “best footballer” in the Irons squad.
The Argentine international has struggled with injuries in recent years at the London Stadium and has only completed 141 minutes of league action.
Cottee has admitted that David Moyes needs to find a way to get Lanzini back into the fold for the Hammers this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday on Boxing Day, Cottee was full of praise for the South American and his ability.
“They need Lanzini back in the team,” he said.
“For me, Lanzini is their best footballer. He’s got to get back in that side.”
There is little evidence to suggest that in the past year, with Lanzini struggling to even string more than two starts together for the Irons.
The only thing of note the 27-year-old has done this season is that screamer to rescue a point against Spurs, and although that was out of this world, he has to do more than the occasional goal.
Moyes appears to have found the right blend of attackers in the final third this season, with Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals nearly starting every game.
Add Said Benrahma into that mix and Lanzini has plenty of competition to get back into fold at the London Stadium.
After a draw with Palace, and that heavy defeat at Chelsea, Moyes may consider changes for the game with Brighton this afternoon.
Lanzini has yet to take a touch in the opposing box, deliver an accurate cross and has only completed one progressive run this season according to WyScout.
Those stats are nothing short of shocking, and he will need to do much more to prove that Cottee is right between now and the end of the season.
In other West Ham United news, Frank McAvennie predicts Irons clash v Brighton