Cottee: The real Lanzini is about two games away
Talking exclusively to ClaretandHugh the former Hammers hero insisted that this was no time to panic over the midfielder or the club’s form slump and added: “I’m happy with the way we started the season and we are in mid table on 13 points.
“As far as Manu is concerned I’d sat he’s probably just two games away from his very best again because after such an injury there’s a pattern that usually kicks in.
“When you come back you are performing on adrenaline, then there’s a slump of half dozen games before you pick up and show top form again – in Manu’s case I think he is about two games away.
“Always remember he is our best player – that is for sure.”
The former Hammers striker also told Manu Pellegrini he was more than ready to dust his boots off and partner Seb Haller.
He laughed: “Course I am, he obviously needs a partner but at the moment it seems the manager doesn’t want to play that way so I’ve had it!”
However, he believes the player clearly needs a partner and hopes the issue is addressed in January adding: “We need that option although let’s be honest, Michail Antoniois a big miss.
“The two of them are excellent together and hopefully it won’t before long before the big fella is back – we’ve missed him far more than has been mentioned so far.”