Wednesday 25 January 2017 15:16, UK
Aaron Cresswell has praised Manuel Lanzini for his recent good form and backed the Argentine to become West Ham's main playmaker.
The Hammers have won back-to-back Premier League matches without wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet, who is currently training with the club's U23s as negotiations continue over his proposed return to Marseille.
Lanzini has stepped up in the France international's absence, scoring in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace and providing two assists in last Saturday's 3-1 at Middlesbrough.
"We always knew Manu was capable of that, and we saw it last season as well," Cresswell told the club's website.
"We know the whole team had a bit of a dip in the first 10 games of this season but he is starting to show what he showed last season.
"Hopefully for us he will continue that, take the No 10 role and take chances and make chances."
Cresswell also praised fit-again Andy Carroll after the forward followed up his sensational bicycle kick goal against Palace with another two strikes at the Riverside.
Carroll returned from a three-month lay-off with a knee injury in December and has featured 10 times for Slaven Bilic's side, scoring five times.
"Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team," Cresswell added.
"If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table."
