West Ham's Dimitri Payet has praised London rival Eden Hazard for helping make him the player he is today during their time together at Lille, reports the London Evening Standard.

The pair spent just a season together in Ligue 1 after Payet moved to the then-French champions.

Though Payet has unquestionably eclipsed reigning player of the year Hazard in his first season in the Premier League he said the Belgian international was among a host of top players, including former Marseille team-mate Andre Ayew, who helped him improve his game.

"I have been helped by the top players at all the clubs I have played for," he told the West Ham website.

"When you are playing with such good players it does make things easier but I also feel that you can learn new things at all ages and at all times from the younger and older players.

"That is what football is all about – getting the best out of everyone and working hard."