Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says Euro 2016 star Dimitri Payet would improve ‘any side in Europe’.
Payet, 29, has been one of the best players at this summer’s European Championship and has been heavily linked with a big money move to Madrid as a result.
West Ham have reportedly already slapped a £60m price tag over his head to ward off expected interest this summer but that has only intensified following comments made by France legend Zidane.
“It’s a great story – he [Payet] has always had talent, but now at 29 he is getting the respect he deserves,” Zidane is quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard.
“There is so much pressure on young players to perform on the biggest stage, Dimitri has shown things don’t always have to happen early. When we wasn’t in the French team he never gave up, and now he is proving he is one of the most important and talented players, not just in the French side, but in Europe.
“He had an incredible season with West Ham, and now at the Euros is showing that no occasion is too big for him. He would improve any side in Europe, that is how talented he is.”
“From a coaches perspective he is everything you look for in an attacking midfield player. He can score goals, he can create goals, he has real quality from set pieces. Any club would want him, he is improving all the time.”
Only four players have gained a higher WhoScored rating in Euro 2016 than Payet (8.17) and only Eden Hazard (4 – one goal, three assists) has played a direct hand in more goals than Payet (3 – two goals, one assist).
For more stats on Dimitri Payet, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
