Manuel Lanzini
It’s easy to see why he’s nicknamed “The Jewel.” The 22-year-old former Argentinian U20 international, was a player that I personally hoped would find his way to Upton Park.
From his early days at River Plate, this player was being hailed as the next best thing to a crop of former Argentina stars, but a surprise move to the UAE Arabian Gulf League with Al Jazira left everybody stunned. It is reported that he was on our list of possible transfer targets last year, but it took another year to land this prestigious talent.
With a goal against Liverpool, plus a Europa League goal, he is likely to wade in with a few more this season, but it is his attacking style alongside Payet that has raised eyebrows.
He is small and of slight build, but he has stood up to the rigours of Premier League football and is a nuisance to opposing defenders. Just ask Dejan Lovren! He’s on a season long loan with the option to buy and already the Board are discussing whether we should splash the cash.
We shouldn’t get too carried away, though. It’s a long, hard season. Let’s see how he progresses through the next seven months, but I have a sneaking suspicion that he’ll be a real asset for a few years to come.
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