Glenn Hoddle reacts to Jesse Lingard’s West Ham debut

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Glenn Hoddle has told BT Sport (broadcast on 3/2; 22:03) that Jesse Lingard produced as impressive a debut as you can get as the January signing starred in West Ham United’s win over Aston Villa.

There was plenty of intrigue surrounding Lingard ahead of Wednesday’s game. The 28-year-old was making his first Premier League appearance of the season having been out of favour with his parent club.

But Lingard has already made an incredible start in trying to vindicate David Moyes’s faith. The attacking midfielder scored twice as the Irons beat Villa 3-1.

It was a reminder of how impressive Lingard can be after a few difficult years for the Englishman. And while Hoddle suggested that there were several fantastic displays from West Ham’s players, he insisted that there was only really one choice when asked to name his man of the match.

“West Ham have had some fantastic performances right across the board, Soucek, Coufal, great performances,” he told BT Sport. “But there’s one man, Jesse Lingard. He’s been outstanding. For a debut, it’s as good a debut as you’ll get.”

West Ham could have an incredible player on their hands if Lingard does rediscover his best form. And the Irons are in a fantastic position in the Premier League following their victory.

Moyes’s side are just two points off the top four currently. And in Lingard, they have added a player who has experience in fighting at the sharp end of the table.

If his debut is a sign of what is to come from Lingard, West Ham’s deal to bring him in in January could prove a masterstroke.