It’s fair to say that Dimitri Payet’s exit from West Ham has been an up and down affair. Ever since Slaven Bilic made Payet’s desire to leave West Ham public, the footballer has been one of the most covered sportsmen in the French media.
That’s led to it being pointed out Payet is overweight and unfit, which L’Equipe have put down to his lack of playing at West Ham, and being forced to train with the club’s youth side.
Then came a high point, with Payet scoring against Guingamp in a Man of the Match performance last week. However, Sunday saw Marseille lose 3-2 to Nantes and the former West Ham player was among three labelled ‘flop of the match’.
L’Equipe explain that even though Payet helped make the first goal, he didn’t have enough impact on the match and his set pieces were off.
West Ham fans will likely nod knowingly having seen Payet fade on occasion earlier this season.
The lack of West Ham training and matches is still being used as a reason for Payet to not be in his best form and it’s thought it’ll take another few matches to get him there.
The flop rating is probably a little harsh, but it’s an example of the huge expectation that’s on Payet since his big money move from West Ham.