The Premier League should cherish Dimitri Payet while it still has him.
Many expected the West Ham United star to join Real Madrid over the summer, but he remained in East London and has continued to dazzle.
There was the rabona assist against Watford, and then there was the stunning goal of the month contender against Middlesbrough which left Phil Thompson shellshocked.
Payet picked up another assist in the win against Sunderland, even if the goal was mostly Winston Reid’s work, but it was a moment before the match which really caught the eye.
The Frenchman seemed upset not to have the ball at his feet during the warm-up, but found a ready replacement in the form of his chewing gum.
If we asked you how many keepie-uppies you’re able to do with gum, you’d probably say ‘wait, since when was that a thing?’.
Since Dimitri Payet did it. That’s when.
Payet just has too much skill👀 https://t.co/GqMoUaFXDj
— Claret and Blue Army (@WestHamBlood) October 22, 2016
Now, some people will question how hygienic that all is, but we’re willing to give Payet the benefit of the doubt.
Are we saying his touch is so clean that it’s capable of ridding the gum of any residual dirt before returning it to his mouth? We’re not not saying that.
Give that man his player of the year award immediately.
In the latest GAA Hour, we talk to Ken McGrath of Waterford and with Declan Brennan about a new club players’ association.