But, despite the similarities in style, Hayden, who has been called the 'white Rio Ferdinand' does not invite comparisons with the former English transfer record signing.
Hayden replaced the injured John Moncur against Leeds, coming into the midfield, and just as Rio has shown earlier in his career, displayed a comfort on the ball that stands him in good stead for his more regular defensive duties.
But he was happier, he says, to move to the back line when Christian Dailly came off, though he reveals: "I've played there a couple of times for the national team and quite a bit when I was younger.
"It doesn't really matter where you play as long as you play but I felt a lot more comfortable playing as a central defender.
"We've got some good young midfielders at the club, Michael Carrick and Frankie to play that holding role, and John Moncur. I think my attributes for the game are better suited to centre half."
And a ball playing one at that.
"It's the West Ham style - I like to play it and the team likes to play it.
"Rio is a top player; he showed on Saturday he can step up a gear when he wants to."
Add that goalscoring touch - Hayden has just scored a couple of goals in the last three games for Australia, one of which sealed a 2-0 win over Fiji - and the comparisons continue.
Certainly, Rio has found his goalscoring boots of late, and what a pity that his first goal at Upton Park had to be in a West Ham shirt!
Hayden gave away the free kick that led to the goal and he remembers: "I mentioned to the referee that I didn't touch him and he said 'it wasn't my decision' but really it is his decision because he is the one who blew for the free kick.
"Rio is going towards the ball and Igor is going back against it and it is always easier coming onto it than going back.
"It just happened that it deflected off Rio's head and looped in the far corner; if he'd got a full head on it he probably wouldn't have scored."
Another aerial goal against...
"It's a tough one - we've given away a lot of sloppy goals of late, and I don't know if it is because we are getting tired or sloppy or what is happening there.
"You can't really put your finger on it but the sooner we can stop that the better."
It was, of course, only Hayden's second game for the Hammers and he insists there is a lot more to come, adding:
"It wasn't so good because I was on the losing side,
but it was another step forward to the beginning of my career here,
which is the one positive note I suppose.
"This season is virtually written off for myself but I'm
really looking forward to next season and to starting my career
here."
Was he disappointed not to start though? "I'm in no position to start complaining," he says.
"I've been away for three weeks and just arrived back on Wednesday, so to be put in the squad made me quite happy, let alone getting involved in the game.
"It will take a bit of time; I've seen worse beginnings to the premiership and hopefully I can build on it and get better."
As for the remainder of the season, he says: "We have to hang in there and fight for each other; there are some real characters there and everyone works their socks off, so you can't ask for any more than that.
"It's been a long-awaited wait for me and it's taken a good nine months to be here. But there are still three games to go and we really need the points."