Leroy admits his Payet fear

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ClaretandHugh’s top analyst Leroy Rosenior has admitted he feared Dimtri Payet may not be the same player again after the shocking ‘tackle’ by Everton’s James McCarthy.

He said: “It was a shocker but his performance against Bournemouth was incredible and I am incredibly relieved that he has come back better than ever – it’s not always the case after an injury like that.

“He showed such confidence and despite that awful challenge remains happy to dance around players – it’s magnificent to watch. He looks even better than before the Everton match.

“Slaven Bilic said that he makes every other player play better and that is totally spot on. Enner Valencia showed an attitude we haven’t seen before and I think that was down to Dimi.

“Valencia wanted to show what he could do and how! His goals were superb and it won’t be long before Sakho is back which will make another enormous difference.

Payet is the first name on the team sheet of course – an extraordinary player – but the competition for places elsewhere is brilliant and the sky is the limit for this club.”