"?Just a few months ago, Dimitri Payet wasn't in the French national side, but on Friday evening he won his country's opening game of Euro 2016 with an early contender for goal of the tournament.
At 29-years-old, many struggle to see West Ham's Payet for what he is, one of the best attacking midfielders in world football at this time. He had a magnificent debut season in the Premier League and when called upon for national service, he has been equally phenomenal.
Anthony Martial had a great season at Manchester United last year, but he had to start on the bench to make way for Payet, and what a great decision that was. The number 8 whipped in a beautiful ball with his weak foot, a trend throughout the evening, to grab his first assist of the competition.
What a screamer from Payet ! #EURO2016
Payet dazzled throughout, fooling Romanian after Romanian with his quick feet and outrageous skills that are never unnecessary but always brilliant. His performance from minute one to the moment he left the field after being substituted late on was exceptional.
It was like seeing the midfielder during the first half of the season at West Ham, as he was looking sharp and confident, possessing that extra bit of pace he lacked after his injury.
Payet's last minute winner though, a screamer with his weak foot from outside the area, forced him to tears as the proudest man in the stadium knew he had exceeded expectations and won his country their opening game.
Fans of teams who aren't West Ham might tell you otherwise, but Payet was the best player on the pitch on Friday, and he will be the most important man for France for the remainder of the competition.
Well deserved ! Standout performance by Payet capped off with that screamer #FRA #EURO2016
Yes, Paul Pogba is one of the best midfielders in world football and yes, Antoine Griezmann is a top goalscorer, but there is something truly thrilling when Payet gets the ball at his feet. In their opening game, he was always looking to make something happen and play a positive pass, and moments of magic came from absolutely nothing.
There is a lot of pressure on France to win the Euros this summer, and if they are really going to lift the trophy, Payet will be the key man. The West Ham maestro is a perfect example of how league form can translate into form for your national side, and if Friday's opener against Romania is anything to go by, Dimitri Payet will be picking up an individual award too in a few week's time.
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