Angelo Ogbonna has stated that West Ham United are as mentally tough as Italian champions Juventus.

West Ham have enjoyed a fine season so far but there was a sticky patch during the last few months, where they failed to claim a victory for a long stretch due to the absence of some key players.

Slaven Bilic's Hammers have now recovered well with two consecutive wins and defender Ogbonna has gone on to praise the mental toughness of his teammates, comparing it to former club Juventus.

Speaking to The Sun, Ogbonna said: "We have had a bad period because Manuel Lanzini, Dimitri Payet, Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho have been injured.

"But we changed our system really quickly. Also our tactics. It's not been easy but in that period we have only lost once in eight. Do I recognise this mentality and resilience from Juventus? Yes I do.

"We have a lot of character to change, to suffer, to maintain our temperament.

"When I came from Juventus I felt there was an opportunity for me and the club. I knew the coach and the quality of the players. Can we finish in the top four? Why not? We have to take care of ourselves and focus on what we want to do. We will see at the end of the season."