Manuel Lanzini: West Ham’s glistening jewel

One of our most impressive players during pre-season, the jewel displayed all the qualities on the pitch that made West Ham fans first fall in love with him.

Last season was the toughest of Lanzini’s West Ham United career to date, after missing out on his dream of playing in the World Cup with Argentina.

To rub salt in the gaping wound, the same injury that caused him to miss such a momentous occasion ruled him out for the majority of the season.

That didn’t stop the Argentinian from knuckling down, though, as he fought through his rehabilitation period to make an unexpectedly early return against Fulham last February.

Now, with the aforementioned pre-season under his belt, he looks as though he may well be heading into his best Hammers season to date.

Goals galore, mazy dribbles, sharp turns – everything that West Ham fans have come to expect from their number 10, seem to be apparent in his game – even more so than ever.

It would certainly be wrong to imply that his injury was a blessing in disguise, but maybe it has, in turn, motivated Lanzini to come back stronger and more motivated than ever.

And with added quality now littered around him, with the signings of Pablo Fornals and Sebastien Haller, alongside the returning Jack Wilshere, it is difficult to see the 26-year-old failing to shine as he looks to become a mainstay in Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield.

With Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City being the Hammers’ first opponent of the new season, what a statement it would be if Lanzini proved to be a vital figure in a side that achieved a positive result against the champions.

If all the stars align, the jewel may well be on course for his most glistening season to date.