LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United looks on as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Leicester City FC at London Stadium on February 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
West Ham favourite Manuel Lanzini finally escapes River Plate nightmare to reveal ‘true potential’.
In truth, West Ham United’s dismal Premier League campaign has been heavy on the ‘disappointment’ and pretty lacking in ‘hope’.
Yet, for a former fans’ favourite who may just be changing the narrative amongst one of world football’s most fearsome fanbases, a feeling of frustration is threatening to give way to a renewed sense of optimism.
Many members of Graham Potter’s self-defeating, ever-imploding West Ham United outfit could stand to take a leaf out of Manuel Lanzini’s book.
Lucas Paqueta has been a shadow of his former self on the pitch, and that is without mentioning the off-field distractions hanging like the sword of Damocles above the Brazil international’s head. Mohammed Kudus is ‘uncrecognisable’ from the brilliant, bludgeoning forward who thrilled fans and neutrals alike, even if there were signs of progress during a goalscoring display at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme and Guido Rodriguez will all go into 2025/26 – provided they remain, of course – desperate to win over an extremely sceptical fanbase. Crysencio Summerville’s season-ending injury brings an end to another underwhelming debut year in claret and blue.
But, as Lanzini is now looking to prove, the odd eye-catching cameo can sometimes be enough to light the fuse and re-ignite the spark.
Photo by Federico Guerra Maranesi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Federico Guerra Maranesi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Former West Ham United favourite Manuel Lanzini hopes to turn River Plate spell around
Manuel Lanzini returned to his beloved River Plate shortly after helping West Ham claim the Europa Conference League title back in 2023.
They do say you should ‘never go back’ in football, though the success David Moyes enjoyed during two spells in the London Stadium dugout proves there are exceptions to the usual rule. Until very recently, though, Lanzini looked destined to become the latest in a long line of players rueing an unhappy homecoming which failed miserably to live up to what both the hearts and minds were hoping for.
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That was, until he stepped off the bench during River Plate’s Copa Libertadores clash with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in late-April.
In a piece appropriately titled ‘From disappointment to hope’ by Argentine publication Noticias 16, Lanzini’s 45-minute outing off the bench in Quito suddenly has a feverish River Plate fanbase wondering if the all-action midfielder they fell in love between 2010 and 2014 might just be about to announce his belated return over a decade later.
“The enthusiasm and excitement he sparked among the supporters was evident, as they hoped his return would be an injection of quality and magic into the team,” Noticias 16 write. “However, after a promising start, the reality was different, and he became a source of frustration for many.
“Despite the seemingly adverse situation, Lanzini didn’t give up. In a recent match in Quito, he showed glimpses of his true potential, highlighting his ability to turn a match around.”
Lanzini wants to earn his place under Marcelo Gallardo at River Plate
With the number ten shirt on his back, Lanzini immediately picked up the ball wide on the left following his half-time introduction. He skipped past one Independiente del Valle defender with ease before slipping through a clever through-ball which required a last-gasp block.
Lanzini’s tally of goals and assists after 38 River Plate appearances stands at a rather miserable one apiece. But it was his powerful shot which forced the goalkeeping blunder from which Giuliano Galoppo poached a close-range finish.
“Based on his performance, Lanzini significantly increased his offensive involvement, cementing his role as an important player in decisive moments,” Noticias 16 add following the Argentine’s most promising, influential display in many a month.
“This marks a significant contrast to his previous performances and promises a brighter future.”
River coach Marcelo Gallardo dropped Lanzini to the bench again for the 2-1 Superclasico victory over arch rivals Boca Juniors a few days later. And, according to reports, Gallardo may look to replace the 32-year-old with a younger, more long-term alternative in the upcoming transfer window.
Yet, if Lanzini is to remain at ‘the club I love’, while embarking upon ‘a 2025 full of goals and successes’, the former West Ham favourite at least appears to be moving in the right direction again.
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