Slaven Bilic believes the return of Dimitri Payet will prove to be a huge boost for the rest of his squad.
Bilic, speaking via West Ham's website this weekend admitted that his team has been missing their talisman but insisted that Payet is ready for the challenge of a second season at the club - despite rumours linking him with some of Europe's other top clubs."He's key to the team," said Bilic. "He can change a game and has the qualities that the best players have. They influence their team-mates and opponents - and that's what he does.
"He makes the team play better and the individuals around him are benefiting. The team recognised that last year and that's why it was a really good combination and a good season for us.
"It's crucial that he comes back as fit as he was last year and produces the same football. He has to influence the games for us as he did last year, with the help of everybody else.
"Last year he didn't do everything himself, but he was the cherry on top of the cake.
"During the Euros he was one of two or three players - along with Antoine Griezmann and Cristiano Ronaldo - that the world was talking about. And he deserved it all.
"Like everybody else he still has to work hard as it won't come by default, but I have no worries. He's playing well, he's matured and currently he's sky-high in terms of recognition."
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