Following a superb showing at Euro 2016, many anticipated Dimitri Payet to depart for pastures new over the summer. The creative star was superb for France at the international tournament to earn a WhoScored rating of 7.91, the fourth best in the competition. Following an excellent debut campaign for West Ham, a host of teams across the continent were linked with a move for Payet, most notably Real Madrid, who were quoted £100m.
Naturally, the price tag deterred Los Blancos, but that isn’t to say teams won’t return for the Frenchman next month. Payet has been linked with a move away from the Hammers once more, though it will of course cost a pretty penny for sides to convince West Ham into selling their prized asset. However, some have been critical of the 29-year-old in the opening half of the campaign, with many suggesting that Payet hasn’t been pulling his weight for the Hammers.
With just two goals to accompany a respectable five assists in the Premier League this season, Payet’s rating has dropped to 7.59 from 7.74 last season. However, while his form may have dipped slightly, to say he’s performing infinitely worse couldn’t be further from the truth. To measure the player on his assists would be a cruel stick with which to beat Payet given this largely relies on the teammates he is creating for tucking the goalscoring opportunities away.
West Ham strived to bolster their attack over the summer and despite pursuing a host of big name targets, they were forced to settle for Simone Zaza. The Italian’s loan deal, though, is set to be cut short next month following his thoroughly disappointing stint in England thus far. Factoring in Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll’s injury issues and one can understand the Hammers’ quest to improve their attacking options. A lack of consistent frontmen is certainly having an adverse effect on Payet’s output, at least in terms of goals and assists.
He’s played more key passes (63) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues this season, so he’s certainly creating the chances for his teammates. No player has won more WhoScored man of the match awards than Payet (5) in the Premier League this season to reinforce how effective the former Marseille man has been at times. Yet it’s not the creative side of Payet’s game that is being criticised, but rather a lack of defensive contribution.
While a player of Payet’s quality is best served creating chances for teammates rather than carrying out the defensive duties that come with easing pressure on his goal, the Frenchman’s tackles (0.8 to 0.4) and interceptions per game (0.8 to 0.3) have both dropped substantially in terms of proportion from last season to this. Of course exerting energy to help defend wouldn't play to his talents, but in a team clearly struggling to leave up to last season's exploits, Payet should be doing more to ensure fewer teams find a route towards goal.
Considering only a handful of teams have conceded more goals than West Ham (31) in the Premier League this season, there is a greater need for every player to help repel opposition attacks and here, it’s reasonable to suggest Payet’s performances off the ball have not been sufficient. The number of times he is winning possession in the midfield third per league match has dropped from 2.9 to 2.4, a marginal dip but one that can affect the team’s defensive solidity. The number of times he has been dribbled past per game has also increased marginally (from 0.8 to 0.9), which while a small figure, also shows that opponents are able to carry the ball past him with relative ease when he does confront them.
Nevertheless, Payet remains one of the most innovative performers in the Premier League and arguably one of the finest in his position in England’s top tier. West Ham are a much worse side in the final third when he is not available, with the Hammers averaging significantly fewer goals per game without him (0.92) than with him (1.7). Payet’s hardly been the let down some have made him out to be this season, even if his defensive impact has lessened somewhat.
Payet is a player whose primary instinct is to create for others and go for goal and demanding he increase his defensive duties would perhaps lessen his influence. He’s evidently having an impact for Slaven Bilic’s side in the final third, despite doubters suggesting he's very much struggling to match the heights of his exceptional debut campaign in England.
