Ravel Morrison a Bigger Talent Than Nani Was, Hails West Ham Forward

West Ham United forward Ricardo Vaz Te has paid tribute to the club's rising star Ravel Morrison, stating the youngster is the best talent he has ever seen.

The former Manchester United academy star has been introduced to the first team by Sam Allardyce in the early stages of the new season to great effect, scoring three goals in his first five appearances for the club.

The 20-year-old added his fifth just 20 seconds into the Hammers' 3-2 win over Cardiff City in the Capital One Cup to continue his rich vein of goal scoring form, a habit Morrison has carried through to competitive games after netting six in pre-season friendlies.

But it is not just his goal return that has impressed those around Upton Park. The youngster, who was once labelled as one of the most gifted youths to emerge from United's revered youth academy, has seamlessly found his place in Allardyce's starting XI with renewed desire and is capable of reaching any level he wants, according to one team mate.

"Ravel is the biggest talent I have ever seen and I have played with players such as Nani," Vaz Te was quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard. "It's up to him to become as good as he can be.

"He has to stay focused, keep improving, keep learning, he has to show the desire and commitment because in this life you can't settle, you have to strive for more. It's up to him.

West Ham found themselves 2-0 up after just eight minutes in their Capital One Cup clash before Cardiff pulled goals back through Craig Noone and Peter Odemwingie, before Vaz Te headed in a late winner.

It was just the Portuguese's second start for the club this season after the forward handed in a transfer request towards the end of the transfer request.

"I can only keep knocking on the manager's door and saying I deserve to play and I am ready," Vaz Te continued.

"I've been asked to play in different positions and I've done that as much as possible for the benefit of the team and tried not to be selfish but this season has been quite frustrating because I haven't been the first option and I think I deserve to be.

"I was happy to get 90 minutes against Cardiff though and I just have to keep on going and show I deserve to play."