With a positive result and minutes under his belt, West Ham United’s 2-0 win away to AEK Larnaca was a pretty good evening’s work for Manuel Lanzini, who once again showed the quality he brings in possession.
In Cyprus, the Argentine was calm on the ball, helping his side recycle attacks, move the play forwards, and ultimately retain possession with an effortless ease that has become accustomed when watching the No10.
“I try to play and keep the ball,” Lanzini stated after the Hammers took a two-goal advantage from the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie.
“I think it is the most important thing to keep the ball, to have rest for the team and to create space and I try to do that.”
The 30-year-old’s importance in Europe was once again clear.
Lanzini featured for the ninth time as the Hammers’ 100 per cent record – nine wins from nine games played – continued into the knockout stages. Only two teams have won all their matches in Europe in 2022/23, with German giants Bayern Munich the other name on the list.
As such, the Argentine is happy to play his part in such success, although he is pushing for more minutes in domestic competitions after a string of positive showings in Europe.
“I want to be important in every game for the team because that is what I train for,” Lanzini continued. “Now, I am starting in the Europa matches but I want to play more in the Premier League.
“I am happy to be in the starting XI. The West Ham fans are crazy. It is always a pleasure to play for them. They deserve this win.
“It was a good game for us, a very good result. It is always difficult in European competition to make a difference, but we have a good result to defend at home now."
That two-goal advantage stemmed from a Michail Antonio brace. The No9 headed in for his first of the night, before striking a stunning second - his ninth in all competitions in 2022/23 - from distance ten minutes later.
A third might have followed, shortly after the break, but Antonio struck the post, a lick of paint separating West Ham's all-time Premier League top-scorer from a perfect hat-trick.
Still, with Antonio back amongst the goals, Lanzini was pleased for his teammate. He also believes the Irons can go all the way in the competition following a positive start to the knockouts.
“I am happy for him,” the 30-year-old enthused on the No9’s performance in Cyprus. “Mic is a very good player, a very good striker and a very good person and it is great for him [to score those goals.]
“It is difficult because it is a European competition, but we have a very good team who can win the cup, but we need to go game by game now.”
