Midfielder wasn't expecting West Ham star to 'smash everything

Bought from Marseille for around £12m over the summer, Dimitri Payet is currentlylooking like one of the signings, if notthesigning, of the season.Aiding his team with nine goals and eight assists in 25 games in all competitions, the French attacking midfielder’s performances have taken West Ham to a seventh spot in the league and an FA Cup quarter final clash against Manchester United.While good things were expected of him when he arrived, it’s fair to say most neverthought the player would have such a significant impact on Slaven Bilic’s side so quickly.Among those were two of his former teammates during his time at Lille (where he played before Marseille), Florent Balmont and Rio Mavuba.Interviewed together by France Football this week, the pair of midfielders were asked whether Payet’s impact on the Premier League surprised them.Mavuba said: “Frankly, yes. I wasn’t expecting to smash everything straight away, especially considering he used to struggle for the first few years at new clubs. Now, he’s carrying the team by himself.”Balmont added: “Eden Hazard, we knew hewould be a hit. Dimitri, even though he had huge qualities, I never thought he would so efficient so quickly, especially considering he’s not playing at Arsenal or Chelsea. West Ham, thanks to him, are having a good season. He keeps them going.”Whether this form will continue beyond the 2015-16 season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, though: Dimitri Payet is currently enjoying a far better season than Eden Hazard.