While talking to the media, LOSC Lille star http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dimitri-Payet-c11276 who has failed to establish himself with Les Dogues since joining from AS Saint-Etienne
Time passes and the statements remain the same. Arrived at Lille to replace http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 man. Not having the same profile, the player has found it extremely difficult
to adapt to Lille’s game-plan.
Rarely decisive and often used as a substitute, the former AS Saint-Etienne man is not at his best and far from the player who did so well for Saint-Etienne last season.
How then can one explain the difficulties encountered by someone who was recruited for a hefty sum of 10 million Euros last summer?
In the columns of L’Equipe, Lille captain, Rio Mavuba has come out to defend his teammate and provide some reasons why the youngster is struggling to find his feet.
Mavuba thinks that it is not easy for Payet to come under such circumstances which include him being the most expensive transfer in the club’s history.
“For him, it is not easy. This is the biggest transfer of the club’s history and there are comparisons with the form last year. I see his goals for Saint-Etienne. He was often away from the wing and came inside. In Lille, we ask for more midfielders in the
line without the ball. He is less used to it.”
And while some may start getting annoyed at Payet’s inability to deliver, his coach Rudi Garcia has chosen to defend the player.
In January, Nolan Roux signed from Stade Brestois and adapted quickly to his new club. However, Garcia feels that Payet should not be compared to Roux as both are entirely different players with totally different responsibilities.
“Everyone does not adapt as fast as Nolan Roux. Dimitri is taking a little longer than others. We should not be too demanding with him because he wants to do well. Simple things are the most effective and he needs to simply regain his efficiency.”
Easier said than done but Payet would certainly appreciate the gestures made by two important people at the club.
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