David Moyes heaped praise on West Ham midfielder Joao Mario for his performance against Stoke City but insisted that the 25-year-old could still do more.
In his weekly column for the London Evening Standard, the Hammers manager shared that he thought the 25-year-old attacking midfielder had one of his best games for the club on Monday, before highlighting where he could still improve.
“Joao Mario had one of his best games,” wrote Moyes in his column for the London-based newspaper.
“There has been a gradual improvement in his performances as a result of him being a bit more settled, getting to know the culture of our football and what is required in the games.
“We want him to improve in his assists and score more and that would be the only criticism of him against Stoke.”
Mario was making his eighth league appearance for the Hammers during the 1-1 draw with Stoke on Monday, but has only registered one assist in the Premier League so far.
The 25-year-old joined the Hammers on loan in January from Inter Milan and is due to return to his parent club at the end of the season.
However The Sun previously reported that Moyes’ side had an option to sign Mario permanently at the end of his loan deal.
OPINION
Mario had a slow start to life at the Hammers, but has since found his feet in the Premier League. The 25-year-old may only have one goal and one assist to his name so far, but that tally will at least double before the end of the season. Despite his clear improvement in recent games, it’s hard to imagine the Hammers signing him in the summer. While it’s not known how much the pre-agreed fee for him is, it’s probably a mouthwatering amount given his reputation. Moyes needs to welcome several players to the London Stadium in the summer, as his squad drastically needs improving, and needs to ensure he gets value for his money when in the transfer market.