“It is unbelievable what he does,” said Collins. “When he is on it like against Blackburn, like we see in training, I haven’t played with or against anyone better. He is a magic player and the West Ham fans are seeing the best of it. We have to wrap him up in cotton wool and get him out on the pitch as much as we can.
“He is on fire. He has been tremendous. When he is in the mood there are not many better in the league.” At just over £10million, Payet is rapidly turning into one of the Premier League’s greatest bargains having already been rewarded with a lucrative new contract to fend off interest from home and abroad.
While the Leicester duo have led an unlikely title bid, Collins is hoping Payet takes West Ham to Wembley.“He’s been one of the best in the league this season,” said Collins. “I know it is easy for me to say because I play with him but I see him in training and I know him as a lad in the dressing room. He just doesn’t bring what he does on the pitch, he is a great lad to have around the place. The fans adore him for bringing that sort of football. It is a massive, massive scalp to have him sign on for as long as he has.”
Collins also believes the chance to play alongside Payet will lure others to East London next season, with West Ham becoming an increasingly attractive employer as they prepare to move to the Olympic Stadium.
“Everyone thinks the same. I’ve just signed a new deal as well. You want to be part of a club that is moving forward,” he said.
“Everything is going in the right direction with the stadium, the way we are playing football, the signings we are making. A good cup run makes us attractive for players to come, too. We have been playing great.
“In the 10 years I’ve had at the club it is the strongest squad I’ve been involved in, with the attacking players and the pace we have going forward. I’m just happy I’m defending for them and not against them. It is a great time.
“We have the attacking players now who will score goals. It was five against Blackburn but it could have been eight or nine.”
- Telegraph