Paying tribute: Cresswell has hailed team-mate Payet as world's best free-kick taker

Redknapp explains how Payet will be much more effective in the coming weeks

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Published on:

17 Oct 2016, 3:35 am

By Tony Hughes

Jamie Redknapp has claimed Dimitri Payet will be much more effective for West Ham following the return of Aaron Cresswell.

The left-back played his first match of the season on Saturday as Hammers ended their horror run with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Cresswell combined with Payet to create the goal for Manuel Lanzini at Selhurst Park in what was an excellent comeback following a knee injury.

But the Englishman's dismissal after 75 minutes for two bookable offences means he will be absent for next Saturday's fixture against Sunderland.

Pundit Redknapp explained what a boost it is for manager Slaven Bilic to be able to call upon Cresswell.

"How West Ham have missed Aaron Cresswell," Redknapp wrote in his Mail column on Monday. "The left back adds so much to Slaven Bilic's side.

"Cresswell gets the best out of Dimitri Payet. The French magician is at his best when he has someone working outside him and making runs past him and, as the graphic shows, that's how the two combined to set up West Ham's winner at Crystal Palace.

"Manuel Lanzini rounded off the move with a fine finish and I now expect the Argentine to go on a run. He has so much ability and can take the pressure off Payet, helping West Ham climb the table.

"Cresswell was very unlucky to be sent off and West Ham will miss him against Sunderland on Saturday."

Payet has showed glimpses of his best form this season but has not consistently hit the heights of his stunning debut campaign for the Hammers.

In seven matches in all competitions, the France international has scored two goals, including his wonder strike against Middlesbrough, and supplied four assists.

In other West Ham team news, supporters have reacted on Twitter to Cresswell's sending-off.

West Ham United

Aaron Cresswell

Dimitri Payet