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Bilic reveals player Lanzini emulates

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modricSlaven Bilic has handed Manuel Lanzini the ultimate compliment!

The Hammers boss declared in the London Evening Standard: “I have never seen a player who reminds me of Luka Modric as much as Manuel Lanzini.

“Luka is my favourite player. He is my prototype of a great midfielder. I put Luka in the Croatia Under-21s and then in the senior team and we have a special kind of bond. But Lanzini has the same kind of qualities.”

It’s a huge boost for the 22 year old Aegentine as he prepares to face Chelsea today with Bilic claiming he helps those around him to play better.

He said: “What I do know is he is making our other players bette. He always wants the ball. That’s why we put him in midfield.

“He always makes himself available. If the players are in trouble, he comes and gets it. He does not look strong but some players can defy that physicality to impose themselves.

“Modric is the same and, like him, Lanzini is not afraid either. I am delighted with him.”

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon