West Ham United manager David Moyes has leapt to the defence of midfielder Manuel Lanzini following his performance in their 2-0 defeat against Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday.
The Argentinian hasn’t had a great season, scoring no goals and providing just three assists in his 17 appearances across all competitions (Transfermarkt).
He was once again pretty ineffective in their game against the Reds, completing no successful dribbles, having no shots on target and providing just one key pass (SofaScore). He was ultimately substituted after 69 minutes, a decision which was met with a loud cheer from some Hammers supporters (Evening Standard).
However, despite failing to make an impact once again, Moyes defended the 26-year-old after the game and claimed he was one of the top players in the squad.
“He is arguably one of our best players, if not our best player, and when I was here before I needed him as much as I needed Marko Arnautovic,” said Moyes (via Evening Standard).
“He was such a good player for us and I am desperate to get him back to the levels he was at. I trust him, I believe he can get back to those levels. He has had a bad injury and I need the supporters to be right behind him because we need him.”
The Scotsman’s comments haven’t gone down well at all with plenty of West Ham fans however, with some saying he is deluded if he actually believes what he said. Here is what some had to say on Twitter…
David Moyes: “Manuel Lanzini is arguably our best player, if not our best. I needed him as much as Arnautovic.”
Deluded. pic.twitter.com/calFBfCNaf
— Uber West Ham (@UberWestHam) January 29, 2020
Moyes needs to stop being so delusional- if and when we are relegated, Lanzini will be one of the first players to leave. Woefully out of form and confidence and suffering a huge decline this season – still, despite this, Moyes insists on persisting with him above anyone else.
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) January 29, 2020
It’s like Big Sam coming back and starting Nolan.
Lanzini is either finished, doesn’t want to be here or his confidence is shot to bits… whatever one it is he shouldn’t be playing.
Moyes is making it worse for him (& is) every time he picks him.— Kris Johnson (@kjohno10) January 29, 2020
Proving he should never have been brought back as manager 😖⚽️
— Dave Arthur (@flutter61) January 29, 2020
Moyes, just stop talking you fool. Lanzini is half the player he was.
— Mr F (@MisterMattF) January 30, 2020
Living in the past. He ‘WAS’ a good player but his knee injury ruined him mentally. He needs to be sold asap. Unfortunately he will never be the same player ever again. Fornals in.
— James Edrupt ⚒️ (@edrupt_james) January 29, 2020
He hasn’t had a good game in about 3 seasons what’s he on about 😂😂
— Billy. (@billy_ray_91) January 29, 2020
I take it Moyes doesn’t watch the games then.
— Terry (@Tezzab69) January 30, 2020
I don’t hear ANYONE other than you arguing that David. Do you think he’ll be around next season in the Championship? He’ll be off to Buenos Aires sooner than you can say ‘nos vemos más tarde!’
— Bob Ballard (@bobballardsport) January 30, 2020
West Ham fans, what are your thoughts on David Moyes’ comments about Manuel Lanzini? Let us know below…
