Michail Antonio says Dimitri Payet is a dream teammate

West Ham winger Michail Antonio says it is a dream to play in the same team as Dimitri Payet.

Payet has nine goals and five assists in 25 appearances since completing his move from Marseille in June last year, form which earlier this month earned the 28-year-old a new contract which will keep him with the Hammers until 2021. 

But Antonio believes Payet's work-rate while heavily marked is as important as his attacking flair, with his movement allowing others to find space.

"He is definitely the best player I have played with in my career," Antonio told the club's website.

"His vision, his work-rate - he is not one of these flair players that makes everyone else get the ball for him and then does damage, he will go and win the ball back himself and then cause damage.

"He does both - the gritty side and the flair."

Antonio also had words of praise for manager Slaven Bilic and his ability to motivate the squad.

"Slaven remains calm and even in games when he feels we should be doing better, he will come in and say 'boys we have the ability to get back in there and I believe in you," he added.

"Even if we don't get the points he wants us to show we can do better and make him proud."