Speaking on the latest installment of the U Irons podcast, Sam Delaney has claimed Jesse Lingard could become West Ham United’s greatest-ever signing if he fires them to Champions League qualification.
The 28-year-old has been in fabulous form of late, bagging an incredible eight goals in nine Premier League games since arriving at the capital club.
Lingard was allowed to join the Hammers on a short-term loan by parent club Manchester United in January and has gone from strength to strength since making the move.
His imperious form in front of goal has helped David Moyes’ men move into fourth place in the Premier League table, meaning they would participate in Europe’s elite cup competition for the first time next season if things stay the same, and Delaney believes if they can pull it off Lingard will go down in the club’s history.
He said: (11:47) “You look at Lingard, and you just sort of think, I mean, what can you say about him? What’s that, eight goals in nine games or something crazy, right. And then the assists as well, I think he’s got three or four assists on top of that.
“I think, I mean, I know he’s only on loan. I think if we qualify for the Champions League, he goes down as the greatest signing in West Ham’s history.”
TIF Thoughts on Lingard…
Lingard’s career appeared to be stagnating when he went over a year without scoring a Premier League goal during his time at Old Trafford.
However, since arriving at West Ham, the attacking midfielder has been well and truly back to his best. Gareth Southgate rewarded him with an England call-up for the most recent World Cup qualifiers, and the 2016 FA Cup winner will be hopeful of earning a place in the Euro’s squad for this summer’s tournament.
West Ham have made some fabulous signings throughout their history, including Dimitri Payet and Paolo Di Canio especially, who produced 51 goals and 14 assists in 137 games, so to potentially call Jesse Lingard the greatest is a big claim to make.
In other news: ‘I definitely think they need’ – Former West Ham striker urges Moyes to strengthen key area