Manuel Lanzini hails Mark Noble's importance to West Ham: 'He is truly loved'
Manuel Lanzini has hailed Mark Noble's importance to West Ham by insisting the midfielder is "truly loved" in east London.
Noble has spent his entire senior career with the Hammers, having progressed to the first-team fold in 2004 before being handed the captain's armband in 2015.
But the 29-year-old has recently come under fire from section of the club's fanbase, who believe Noble needs to do more to vindicate his place in Slaven Bilic's starting line up.
The midfielder, who is expected to return from injury for Saturday's trip to Hill has brushed off such criticism, and Lanzini is convinced Noble remains a key influence at the London Stadium.
“It’s very good to play alongside Nobes,” he told West Ham's official website.
“It’s always good to play alongside experienced players and particularly those who are truly loved at their clubs.
"They are the ones who can help you so much on and off the pitch.
“It’s very important to have him around and I try to learn as much as I can by watching him,” Lanzini added.
Meanwhile, Lanzini has taken on the role of talisman since Dimitri Payet's January move to Marseille.
The Argentine has scored three goals in his last five top-flight performances and is relishing an opportunity to shoulder a creative responsibility for the Hammers.
“I feel like I’m an important player here and that’s just what I needed in order to be able to show what I am capable of on the pitch.
“I’m not feeling the pressure. I’m very comfortable with how things are going at the moment and feel like," Lanzini added.