Euro 2016: Dimitri Payet Is More Than Pretty Freekicks
If you are a casual soccer fan, you probably don’t know much about Payet. That’s probably because Payet hasn’t had a great career. Up until the last 18 months, Payet was basically the Pacman Jones of soccer; talented but undisciplined. He had clashes with almost all of his coaches, and even though he showed flashes of brilliance, he was never consistent enough to get the attention of big clubs.
Things changed for Payet during his second season at Olympique Marseille. He was fit, consistent and he got along with his new coach. Payet ended the 2014–2015 season with 17 assists in 36 appearances and created twice as many chances than any other player during that period.
On June 2015, Payet made a quiet move to West Ham and signed a five year deal with the Hammers. West Ham investment in Payet payed off as he started the season in great form. He scored five times and helped West Ham beat Arsenal, eventual champions Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea before picking up an injury against Everton in November.
He returned from injury in January and immediately gained back his form. As the season progressed, Payet continued to improve in all aspects of his game. But it was thanks to his signature freekicks that fans from all over the world got to know his name.
Payet’s claim to worldwide fame came in March when he scored a brilliant freekick from 30 yards out against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Take a look at the swerve that he put on that ball. Poor David De Gea.
He also scored similar freekicks against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Blackburn, Russia, and Cameroon. You can find a compilation of all his freekicks here.
But West Ham United fans would tell you that Dimitri Payet is more than pretty freekicks. Payet was the Hammers best player this season and arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League not named Ryad Mahrez.
Payet combination of skill and vision, makes him one of the most deadly and entertaining players in the world. He is not the fastest player but has the acceleration to get away from most defenders. His touch is world class and not many strikers can finish the way he can. Have a look at his solo goal vs Blackburn where you can see Payet at his best.
The French must be happy that Payet overcame all his off the field issues and matured just as he entered his prime. He is 29 years old, so it is likely this is his only chance to shine at an international level.
As for the future, I don’t expect Payet to stay at West Ham past this summer. He will likely move to a bigger club and demand even higher wages. He deserves it, but it will sad not to hear Irons fans sign these words again…
We’ve got Payet,
Dimitri Payet,
I just don’t think you understand,
He’s Super Slav’s man,
He’s better than Zidane,
We’ve got Dimitri Payet…
