Although he wasn’t the only player who performed badly on Saturday against Everton, the form of West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini has been a major concern in recent weeks.
The Argentinian international played the full 90 minutes at Goodison Park but flattered to deceive as the Hammers slumped to a 2-0 defeat on the road. Supporters on Twitter did not hold back in their opinions of the midfielder’s most recent performances:
Shouldn’t have started, poor selection imo
— T (@T_27_1) October 19, 2019
Needs to be dropped more like but who else is there?
— sean smith (@seansmi3214635) October 19, 2019
Lanzini has been poor for a long time now. Fornals looks a dud.
— hammersrobin (@lostveteran) October 19, 2019
I’d drop him and Anderson! They need a shake up! Arguably our best two players and just don’t seem to want to get involved and influence games like they should! ⚒
— Barrie Noyes (@Jobazz90) October 19, 2019
Bottled it as usual
— Gavlaar (@gavblake14) October 19, 2019
Lanzini is bang bang average mate. Always has been. Does something half decent every 5 matches and every West Ham fan loves him. Payet made him look a player and he’s living off that season.
— John curtis (@johncurtis26) October 19, 2019
Lanzini needs to get out of the club, lazy and overrated
— Richard Knott (@RichardKnott2) October 19, 2019
Performed up until he got a new contract and has gone missing since, should have delayed a new contract until December and actually make him work for it. 2 good games and players get new contracts at West Ham, wouldn't happen at any other club
— James Gunn (@jamesgunn_) October 19, 2019
Lanzini has not scored this season and while he has provided two assists, both of those came back in August, in the 1-1 draw against Brighton and the 3-1 win over Watford.
The 26-year-old played as the key link man between midfield and attack at the weekend, but forward Sebastien Haller was an isolated figure as he received no service with the Argentine wasteful in possession.
With Pablo Fornals also struggling for form, though, it seems likely that Lanzini will keep his place when West Ham face Sheffield United in their next league game.
