Unbelievable the impact he’s made. Didn’t see that coming at all.
I admit, I always thought of him as a bit of a joke, the worst kind of academy production line modern midfielder: non-scoring, non-creating tippy tappy technical midfielder who always seemed more interested in being JLingz the brand rather than having an impact on the pitch. But it’s heartwarming to see a player hit this kind of form with a second chance in a new environment after so many years in the doldrums.
I think when your at a top team and you aren’t one of the top players your strengths aren’t played to
when you go down even one level, the team looks to play to your strengths and he’s better. Some players suit being the big fish in a small pond if you catch my drift
Gaz & Mart, that’s a great point. Stepping a rung down to team playing to his strengths rather than being supporting cast. Loads of examples but makes me think of Jonny Evans being average at United but outstanding for Leicester - as good as £90m man Harry Maguire, really; or Phil Neville also being a bit of a joke at United and then joining Everton, being their captain and leader straightaway, and their best player.
To be at a top club for so long, you’ve got to be different class.
I really hope Lingard goes to West Ham permanently. Can see United deciding to keep him, giving him 10 games next season, being overshadowed again then replacing him with the latest big name, which would be a real shame.