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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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Leadership and Attitude

Ok, massive elephant in the room when it comes to talking about attitude and these two players because one of them demanded to be transferred because he was too good for the club and the other one played out his entire contract with the club before leaving on a free transfer. So on that aspect, we’re already going to be heavily favouring Di Canio when considering what kind of player we would want adding into the squad now. But let’s continue and look at other examples.

17 Feb 2001: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham argues with the referee during the AXA Sponsored FA Cup Fifth Round match against Sunderland played at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England. West Ham won the game 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary M Prior/Allsport
17 Feb 2001: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham argues with the referee during the AXA Sponsored FA Cup Fifth Round match against Sunderland played at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England. West Ham won the game 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary M Prior/Allsport /

Both of these players did what they could to lead by example. Dimitri Payet was a class above most players at the club and he demanded that others rise to the best they could be, doing what he could to offer them opportunities to do so. Di Canio had rigid standards when it came to effort levels and commitment, spending a lot of time during the pre-match warm-up running widths of the pitch whilst others kicked the ball around and pushing everyone to keep running right up until the final whistle.

However, there were times when Di Canio’s attitude wasn’t always top-notch. The aforementioned Bradford game, where he did inspire us to come from behind to win 5-4, he spent some time on the floor complaining and demanding to be substituted. Not really what you want from your team maestro. But then saying that he did put it behind him to push us to the win, and what more can you ask?

When you consider all of what Di Canio’s character gave to his teammates and the fans, including the famous ball catch against Everton when the keeper was down, he genuinely did it all because he loved the game and being able to play for West Ham. Payet, whilst an inspiration on the pitch, had issues from off the pitch that filtered into his time with the club that ended with his acrimonious departure. Di Canio takes this all day long.