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Who could West Ham use most now, Payet or Di Canio?

By Scott Johnson

26 Mar 2000: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United scores the first goal during the FA Carling Premiership match against Wimbledon at Upton Park in London. West Ham United won the match 2-1. \ Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster/Allsport
26 Mar 2000: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United scores the first goal during the FA Carling Premiership match against Wimbledon at Upton Park in London. West Ham United won the match 2-1. \ Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster/Allsport /
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As people consider the things that really matter to West Ham, like can we actually afford anyone, we ponder other questions. Would Dimitri Payet or Paolo Di Canio be better for the Hammers right now?

Whilst there’s a lot of worry and concern in the world it’s good to occasionally try your hand at some lighter-hearted content. And that’s not to say it’s not controversial. But seeing as we’d need a time machine to actually make this happen, it’s inconsequential at least. But which West Ham legend could we most use right now? Dimitri Payet or Paolo Di Canio.

A few minor conditions to consider. The player will be as healthy as his career history says on average and will play in positions that they did historically. That is, just because you think a winger would make a good full-back doesn’t mean you can just play them there. If they’re going to be in the team, they will have to displace someone in their favoured position. And, whilst it doesn’t really impact this discussion, we will compare players with stats during their time at the club, not over their entire career. So, let’s get down to the discussion!

Goal Scoring

14 Oct 2000: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United celebrates scoring the equaliser during the FA Carling Premiership match between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road, Ipswich. Mandatory Credit: Phil Cole/ALLSPORT
14 Oct 2000: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United celebrates scoring the equaliser during the FA Carling Premiership match between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road, Ipswich. Mandatory Credit: Phil Cole/ALLSPORT /

Whilst they played in slightly different positions, both Di Canio and Payet had an eye for goal. Di Canio spent more time in the box picking up opportunities from his close control and sharp movement, but Payet was basically a threat from anywhere within 30 yards. Especially if it was a dead ball situation.

During their time at West Ham, Di Canio managed 52 goals in 136 games at a ratio of a goal every 2.7 games with Payet slightly behind at 15 in 60 games at 1 goal every 4 games. Whilst a goal every 4 games wouldn’t be considered too hot for most clubs and strikers, given that West Ham has signed many awful strikers, Payet’s goal-scoring rate would be pretty good up top for the Hammers. But for a midfielder, 1 in 4 is pretty damn good.

But Di Canio’s record is pretty much unheard of for Hammers’ in recent years, and considering he played as a second striker alongside Frederic Kanoute or Jermaine Defoe as well it’s pretty impressive in itself. Di Canio was played in various positions and scored big goals, just like Payet. Both got goals in FA Cup clashes with United at Old Trafford and had dragged that us back from losing positions like the Bradford game for Di Canio or the Everton away game for Payet.

So whilst Di Canio scored more, he played further forward than Payet, so that’s what you’d expect. However right now a scoring striker is probably the rarer of the commodities and those goals are pretty precious all around, so Di Canio probably takes the first round for me. But now, on to the creative side of things.