This was more difficult than I had first perceived.

Only six of our best when so many have made telling contributions so far? Bilic has recruited many players this time around with the sound backing of the Board. The strength in depth is better than we have ever known, the quality of each individual is superb in the detail of the recruitment plan for each role and more than that, the players are responding to a new manager, at a new club for them with a whole range of new ideas.

The new boys have also, as happened last season, not started slowly, but hit the ground running and despite the displays against Leicester and Bournemouth, the Hammers have been a delight to watch. Even the pundits are applauding us now.

Although I have picked my six players, others are worth a mention too. Winston Reid is outstanding in defence and is a strong no-nonsense defender and you can also include Ogbonna, who, during the Newcastle game, really started to make an impact before getting injured.

He will become another notable player for us this time around. Mark Noble has his moments too and Sakho, although not scoring quite so regularly yet, is making the space, is playing for the team and looks threatening around the goal and will surely start taking his chances as they increasingly flow his way.

Albeit a rather shorter time on the pitch so far, we have glimpsed the future in the outstanding Reece Oxford as well. That display against Arsenal was one of pure ability and an air of almost not caring that it was Arsenal, at the Emirates on his league debut. Amazing. We have a lot to look forward to this season and beyond, but the best six so far?

Well, it’s only what I think…

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Dimitri Payet

Arguably the best summer signing by any team in the Premier League so far.

This French star appeared not to be on anyone else’s radar except the astute Bilic. Payet was the signing that Bilic wanted and now we can all see why. With four goals in eight league games, over 30 chances created and a number of assists, Payet will be hard to keep next summer, as all eyes will be on this playmaker.

Unbelievably, despite a great start to the season, the French national coach, Didier Deschamps, omitted to select the Upton Park star for a set of recent internationals. Bewildered fans scratched their heads, as we haven’t seen a player of his ability at the Boleyn for a very long time.

His play, his foresight, his technical ability, the power of his shooting from all areas and the phenomenal way he brings others into play, is worth the admission price alone.

And France didn’t need him? Really? Bilic has already stated that he makes those around him better players and the next player is testament to that.
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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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Adrian

Or Adrian San Miguel del Castillo, if you prefer, but they couldn’t get that on the back of his shirt, is another Hammers revelation.

We knew he was good and we all remember the penalty shoot-out against Everton in last year’s FA Cup, but he just gets better and better. Signed by Allardyce in 2013 from Real Betis, he signed a three-year-deal with the club having the option to extend the deal for a further two seasons. With his superb displays already, the Board quite rightly gave Adrian the improved contract that he deserved.

Although Darren Randolph stood in and played very well while Adrian was suspended, the first choice keeper was always going to be ahead of Randolph once his suspension had been served. The red card against Leicester City wasn’t his first red card. Last season, under pressure from Southampton’s Mane, he handled outside of the area. Although it was rescinded, West Ham were charged by the FA with failing to control their players because of that incident.

Adrian continues to be a reliable and in-form keeper and his heroic antics in front of goal, have saved West Ham’s blushes on a number of occasions. With over 60 appearances for The Hammers so far, he may just become one of our best remembered keepers in the years to come.
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James Tomkins

A home grown talent from The Academy. James has represented England at all levels up to the U21 team and also played for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.

Usually a centre back, James has played a few of his 230+ games (league and cup) at right back and this season has deputised for Carl Jenkinson in that position. His superb play in that right back role has led people to think of him becoming a more permanent and future right back once Jenks goes back to his parent club, Arsenal. In fact, some think he is better than Jenks at right back.

Although defensive at heart, he likes to get forward and many have seen a different side to him this season. However, it is as a centre back that Tonks made his mark. In the same way as Noble, he is claret and blue through and through.

Following his debut in 2008, he enjoyed an extended run in the team due to the injuries to the first choice defensive pairings and that season, he was voted Young Hammer of the Year.

Why choose Tonks as one of our best six so far this season? Because he is a sound, reliable defender alongside the likes of Reid or Collins. He is capable of leading a team, as he showed on our European nights and his performances out of position, as mentioned earlier have earnt him very positive reviews.

Not once did he moan about not being played in his preferred role, but announced that he just wanted to play. He weighs in with an occasional goal, but his strength in his defensive play, his commitment and going in where it hurts makes him a fans favourite and could end up becoming another long serving player.
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Cheikhou Kouyate

Now into his second season with The Hammers, the Senegalese international was one of our best signings last year. Signed by Allardyce from Belgian side Anderlecht, it was his physical and pacy approach to the game that got him noticed.

This time around, he has already scored three goals, crucially the equaliser against Norwich City, and he was also the man to score our first goal of the season and the first of our two goals against The Gunners.

His part in a strong Hammers midfield this season marries well with the ball winning Noble and another resilient pacy midfielder in the Spaniard, Obiang. For a time last season, Kouyate filled in for the injured Alex Song and again was praised for his solid performances.

He’s not known as a goalscorer, but seemingly, with Lanzini and Payet and now Moses creating chances, he may just score more goals this season, than in any other before. He never fails to impress and deliver the goods and has so far played an important part in our early success.
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Victor Moses

Signed on Transfer Deadline Day, we knew he was good, but not that good!

He’s been somewhat of a revelation since coming to Upton Park and is exciting to watch. It’s only a year-long loan, but what a year it promises to be. With plenty of Premier League experience at Chelsea, Liverpool and Stoke City, he has been able to slot straight into a Hammers team that is new, improved and stronger than ever.

Anyone watching his performance against Newcastle United would have agreed that his display deserved a goal and he so nearly scored. I watched mesmerised as he shook off the Newcastle players to run half way down the pitch and hit such a shot that he hit the bar with an almighty smack before Payet gratefully finished off the rebound.

The strength and pace of this Nigerian international is going to be an asset to us, but become a menace to the opposition. His display and well taken goal against Manchester City was outstanding, although he needs to keep to that standard with Antonio eyeing a start soon.

This promises to be an exciting season for Moses and although he penned a new contract with Chelsea before the season started, I can’t help wonder if he’ll become a permanent Hammer next summer. Stunning skills, stunning strength, stunning pace and an absolute blinder of a loan deal.

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