Manuel Lanzini insists Dimitri Payet's West Ham departure is allowing him to thrive under the pressure as the Hammers welcome Premier League leaders Chelsea tonight.
West Ham were dealt a shock this winter as star winger Payet demanded to leave London Stadium, with the France international eventually rejoining his former club Marseille for £25million.
The exit of Payet was another setback in what had become a difficult season for Slaven Bilic, as the Hammers looked in danger of a potential relegation battle following a poor start to the campaign.
But the east London club have not imploded since Payet's transfer, and 24-year-old Argentine midfielder Lanzini says he is ready to shoulder more responsibility - starting against Antonio Conte's Chelsea tonight.
"I like this pressure," Lanzini told the club's official website. "I like to take the ball and play for the team and I need this for my personality.
"I need the pressure and I need to feel that the team is relying on me. This is important for me."
Lanzini is hoping to carry his fine recent form over to tonight's match, adding: "The team is good and we’re playing good football at the moment and this is important."
