Carlton Cole praised the impact of West Ham defender Craig Dawson after the 'special person' gave his side a crucial lead against Lyon on Thursday night.
The Hammers progressed to the last four of the Europa League against the Ligue 1 side, winning 3-0 on the night to emerge victorious 4-1 on aggregate, partially thanks to Dawson's opener, a powerful header from a Pablo Fornals corner.
And Cole gleefully hailed defensive talisman 'Ballon d'Orson' and his impact on the tie.
He said: 'He gets there by sheer determination, drive. Everything you need from 'Ballon d'Orson'! Everything you need from a footballer of his ilk.
'He is a special person to have on that pitch because he's the one who's going to lead that team to victory. You can see (it).
'He had a few that came his way (before his goal), and his eyes are fully focused on the ball.
'He knows on that field, in the air, there's no one on that field matching him. So I'm really happy he got onto the end of that.'
Centre back Dawson gave the visitors the lead at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais shortly before half-time, and midfielder Declan Rice doubled the lead a minute before the interval with a slightly deflected shot from outside the penalty area.
Jarrod Bowen then scored three minutes after the break to effectively kill the game off as a contest and send West Ham through to the semi-finals of the competition, where they will play Barcelona's conquerors Eintracht Frankfurt.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman added on BBC Radio 5 Live: 'It's a brilliant goal.
'I mentioned West Ham's threat from set-pieces. They have great height and great desire to get the ball.
'Dawson attacks it from deep. It' a complete mismatch as (Moussa) Dembele the forward is marking him.'
KreddyKall
0
Nearing the end of his career, but seemingly getting better and better! He has been solid as a rock for the Hammers through the past two seasons. Has a head like a hammer and never afraid to put his body on the line to block a shot or two. Should be “Hammer of the Year”!
hammer of the year would be Zouma if he wasn't a d*ckhead, now I'd say Rice or Bowen
KreddyKall
0
he should be ahead of Maguire in England squad
leeeikuz
1
Nearing the end of his career, but seemingly getting better and better! He has been solid as a rock for the Hammers through the past two seasons. Has a head like a hammer and never afraid to put his body on the line to block a shot or two. Should be “Hammer of the Year”!
vonablpty
2
So happy to see Craig get the praise he deserves, the man is a lion!! Broken leg? Ahhh I can run it off , he is such a loyal 100% player sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t but always100%