WHZ View: West Ham should part ways with Manuel Lanzini
Manuel Lanzini had the world at his feet in the June of 2018. The jewel, as he was known, scored 22 goals and assisted 10 in three years with West Ham.
He was like no one else in the squad – excellent agility, trickery and two quick feet. Lanzini had it all, and in many ways, that was his downfall.
His performances for the Hammers weren’t going unnoticed. Lanzini was selected to play for Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Brazil. The ultimate dream for any footballer, to represent your country on the biggest stage.
In the cruellest of fashion, the attacker had the rug swept from under his feet. Whilst training ahead of the competition with Argentina, he suffered a ruptured anterior knee ligament injury, ruling him out for 10 months.
The West Ham supporters were devastated for him. We were so proud to have one of our best players go off and fulfil his dreams of playing in the biggest tournament in world football.
Lanzini was absent until the following February, but sadly, he’s never been the same player. Just the four goals and five assists in the three seasons following his injury.
He just isn’t getting into the positions to create or score anymore. At the peak of his powers in the 2017/18 season, he registered 43 shots [WyScout]. He’s taken 43 shots at goal in the three seasons combined since then.
Lanzini was once able to pass players as if they weren’t there. He was the best dribbler at the club, and would often leave players looking silly. He attempted 119 dribbles in the season prior to the World Cup and was successful 61.3% of the time.
In the three years since he’s attempted just 91 take on’s. He doesn’t appear to have the confidence or ability that was once there. Such a big injury appears to have impacted him heavily.
He’d set such high standards for himself in his first three seasons that he isn’t now able to live up to. So much of his brilliance came as a result of taking players on and getting into attacking areas, and we have far better options now.
Jesse Lingard is a great example. In his seven games for West Ham, he’s attempted 44 dribbles or 6.06 per 90. He’s making things happen whenever he is on the pitch and is miles ahead of Lanzini in the pecking order.
We were hopeful that with Moyes returning it might ignite a flame in Lanzini. He was a favourite of the Scot in his first reign, starting 15 Premier League games for him in his half a season in charge.
But it hasn’t worked out that way. The club reportedly blocked a move away in January, but if the chance comes again, maybe it’ll be best to let him go. He isn’t the player he once was and doesn’t appear to be enjoying his football anymore.
It’s going to be a big summer for us if we get into Europe. Freeing up his wages could benefit us greatly as we will look to bolster the squad.
In other West Ham news, here are our nominees for the Hammer of the Year award.