Manuel Lanzini return for West Ham more important than any summer signing

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West Ham enjoyed a busy summer transfer window, where manager Manuel Pellegrini strengthened his squad and added some quality new faces.

Sebastien Haller and Pablo Fornals are two new marquee additions at the London Stadium, with Albian Ajeti and Goncalo Cardoso also fresh options within the squad.

But it’s the re-emergence of playmaker Manuel Lanzini at the beginning of the campaign that looks more important than any new signing.

The Hammers missed Lanzini for a large spell of the 2018/19 campaign due to injury and he played 10 times as he was eased back to fitness towards the back-end of the season.

Lanzini has played every minute of the opening two league games this season and West Ham supporters must be delighted to have him back.

The 26-year-old appears to be creeping back towards his best and on his day he can be the outstanding talent in the club’s squad.

He is an attacking midfielder that supplied an assist in the 1-1 draw with Brighton at the weekend and it’s a great sign that he’s edging back.

West Ham do have a number of talented individuals with their new recruits, but it’s Lanzini that looks like he could be their talisman under Pellegrini.

The Argentine can be the driving force in the final third with his eye for goal and his passing ability, so it’s hugely important that he is now back pulling the strings.