West Ham round-up: Lanzini reveals desire for future move; Carroll’s form explained; praise for youngster

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One man has been labelled as the closest that the club has to a direct replacement for Dimitri Payet, in the form of Manuel Lanzini. The Argentinean has so far lived up to that tag, scoring a crucial goal against West Brom before the side conceded a devastating last gasp equaliser. However, Lanzini told TV channel TyC Sports, as translated by the Express and 90Min:

“Obviously projecting into the future is difficult because you never know, but I want to go back to the club where I was born, where I grew up and I’m a fan. It’s what I want for my career, I do not know when it will happen, but it’s what I want for some time… Today I am happy, in West Ham they make me feel at home. But obviously you have to [look at] your career, if I do things right, and the options come alone and are analysed. I hope to continue this way. I am happy with the decisions I made. It was not easy at the time I left for the UAE. It was a difficult decision, but I do not regret it. I’m enjoying it today, I’m happy about how we’re doing at West Ham.”

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West Ham fans can take hope from the fact that the playmaker is clearly happy in London and has no plans to depart the club imminently, especially with a further three years left to run on his existing contract.

Sky Sports believe that they have discovered the inspiration for Andy Carroll’s superb recent form and his stunning volley goal against Crystal Palace, as yoga expert Sharon Heidaripour told them:

“Absolutely without question Andy Carroll is reaping the benefits of yoga. I know he’s been doing it for a few years now because he posted that photo of himself doing yoga on the beach in Dubai in 2014. You only need to look at his posture for that scissor kick he scored against Palace. Normally when a player tries to score a goal like that, the knee on the player’s standing leg bends due to a lack of flexibility in the hamstring. But the fact that he could keep his standing leg so straight while executing that goal demonstrates how good his hamstring flexibility is.”

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Currently out with a slight injury, the Irons will be hoping that the striker will return for their visit to Watford after benefiting from a two week break with no FA Cup action this weekend.

The younger Hammers have also been in fine form of late, with the club’s under 23 side seeing off Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League Cup to secure their passage into the last 16 of the competition. Coach Terry Westley had special praise for a few players in particular, including new signing Nathan Holland, as he told the club wesbite:

“The captain Declan Rice was outstanding, a nine out of ten, Nathan Holland; what a signing that looks to be. And Domingos Quina, for a first year scholar, lightens the pitch up every time he plays.”

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Winger Holland, an England under 19 international who joined from Everton on a three and a half year contract, only made one appearance for the Toffees at this level in the first half of the season but has done enough to impress and earn three starts for the under 23s since joining the Hammers.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by federico civerchia.