Manuel Lanzini can become West Ham's main playmaker, says Aaron Cresswell

Aaron Cresswell has given his backing to West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini

Aaron Cresswell has praised Manuel Lanzini for his recent good form and backed the Argentine to become West Ham's main playmaker.

The Hammers have won back-to-back Premier League matches without wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet, who is currently training with the club's U23s as negotiations continue over his proposed return to Marseille.

Lanzini has stepped up in the France international's absence, scoring in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace and providing two assists in last Saturday's 3-1 at Middlesbrough.

2:59 Highlights: Middlesbrough 1-3 West Ham Highlights: Middlesbrough 1-3 West Ham

"We always knew Manu was capable of that, and we saw it last season as well," Cresswell told the club's website.

"We know the whole team had a bit of a dip in the first 10 games of this season but he is starting to show what he showed last season.

Cresswell believes the Argentine can become the Hammers' creative spark

"Hopefully for us he will continue that, take the No 10 role and take chances and make chances."

Cresswell also praised fit-again Andy Carroll after the forward followed up his sensational bicycle kick goal against Palace with another two strikes at the Riverside.

Andy Carroll has been in superb form for West Ham since returning from injury

Carroll returned from a three-month lay-off with a knee injury in December and has featured 10 times for Slaven Bilic's side, scoring five times.

Robbie Keane says the best thing for West Ham and Dimitri Payet himself is for the player to leave Robbie Keane says the best thing for West Ham and Dimitri Payet himself is for the player to leave

"Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team," Cresswell added.

"If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table."