Lingard at United
This is a story we all know very well - Jesse Lingard scored some memorable goals and was an entertaining figure both on and off the field. However, he wasn't often seen as this lethal goalscorer.
Last season, Jesse scored once in 22 Premier League games for Manchester United. At West Ham United though, he's like a player reborn.
Lingard at West Ham
Joining the Hammers on loan proved to be a masterstroke for the 28-year-old, who has scored six goals and provided three assists in just eight league games!
It's not just the goals - Lingard's movement in the final third has improved considerably. He looks more confident and is genuinely enjoying his football, leading to improved displays on the field. In fact, he was even compared to Diego Maradona recently.
But what is making the difference? Why is Lingard so good under David Moyes but couldn't be as impactful under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?
We turned to someone who is more of an expert at all things J-Lingz - our user admin Matt Koller. Here's what he had to say:
A brief history of Lingard - Matt's take
"For years, I have believed and defended the quality of Jlingz despite the ridicule so it's nice to see that his situation has got to the point where keeping him or selling him for good money has become a topic of conversation confirming my beliefs.
"I never considered Jlingz good enough for first team quality at United. But as a squad player, I didn't think we would find much better. He is naturally fit and doesn't need game time to stay fresh. He comes on with experience, hardly loses possession and is always on the move, creating space."
Why Lingard is a success at West Ham
"Although West Ham also play Premier League the same as us, the teams they face might as well be completely different. They don't park up in the same manner and they can be countered.
"There's often a gap between the midfielders and defenders of opposing teams that face West Ham which is where Lingard sits to deadly effect.
"It's all to do with how other teams play against them more than anything. Midfielders push up more against West Ham. So, on the counter, he doesn't have to get past them - he just has to outrun them.
"He’s quite clever with his runs; he will get goal side and run diagonally across players to prevent them getting into a position to stop him without committing the foul. He lets the ball do the work."
Matt adds: "When West Ham get the balls out to the wings for the crosses over the top from [Aaron] Cresswell, he gets to the back post and adds pressure. When the wingers have the ball, he lets [Michail] Antonio attack the 6 yard and he drops back, giving another option for the low cross.
"West Ham play a fast attacking method, they don't stop moving, which suits the likes of Jesse and Declan [Rice], [Jarrod] Bowen, etc who have that stamina."
Why the same won't work at United
"It wouldn't work against the same club if it was United because the midfielders play deeper and closer to the defenders. West Ham also have the advantage that players aren't playing out of position.
"They play as a team, everyone knows their role and where they should be because it's how they have always been."
A few of Jesse's strong suits as per Matt
- His passing is very high because he never tries anything too intricate or direct.
- His positioning is really good and he constantly checks where other players are on the pitch, so he knows where he needs to put the ball or make runs.
- He is one of the naturally fittest players in the Premier League and can press for much of the game. Forcing mistakes from opponents, much like he did vs Leicester last season for us.
- His ball control is tidy and he can move through players. We joke that he's like Messi and Ronaldo but it stems from the fact he does similar things (just not to the same level of skill that those footballing Gods possess).
What does the future hold?
Lingard has his skills and can hold on his own on any given day - however, just not at United. It's best for all parties involved if we can sell him for a high fee to the Hammers this summer.
| Player | G | |
|---|---|---|
 | Man City | 20 |
 | Newcastle | 19 |