Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a humble, quietly-spoken character who prefers to do his talking on the pitch, rather than in the interview room.
However, the in-form wing-back was happy to speak to West Ham TV after the Irons came from a goal down to secure a 1-1 Premier League draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Wan-Bissaka was brilliant at Villa Park, making a series of vital interceptions and tackles and storming up and down the right flank all game long, with one of those forward runs leading to Emerson’s second-half equaliser.
Typically, the 27-year-old did not want to take credit for his outstanding display, but instead pointed to the all-round team performance.
“We all stuck together,” he began. “In the second half, we came out with more energy and work-rate and we got the goal in the end.
“We go off each other. You see someone working hard, you give off that and give it as well. It's a team game, so we thrive off that.
“I was just playing off the team, allowing myself to get forward and come back also. It's the freedom to be able to do what I'm able to do. I do enjoy it (playing as a wing-back), it's not easy though! You can see at the last five minutes, the legs are pretty much gone, but we have to give it in for the team.
“Emerson’s goal just shows the work-rate to get up as well and he was there at the back post to get the goal.”
Wan-Bissaka’s play earned plenty of praise from fans, both in the stands and on social media, and the No29 is grateful for the support.
“I guess it's great [to know the supporters are happy with me], as it's always nice for my performance to not go unnoticed, but the aim is the team performance, and I think we've done well to get that goal and to stay in the game,” he continued.
Wan-Bissaka is one of a number of players who have spoken positively about the impact made by new Head Coach Graham Potter, who introduced a new philosophy which has seen the Hammers collect four points from his first three Premier League games in charge.
“I'm enjoying it [under the new Head Coach],” he confirmed. “It's organised. We know what to do. We go off each other.
“I see a lot of positives in training. The team, we want it as much as anyone else and we have the fans to back us as well. It's just about putting in the effort on game days and getting the result.”
The next test for Wan-Bissaka, Potter and company will be at Chelsea on Monday 3 February, and the south Londoner is relishing a derby night under the lights at Stamford Bridge.
“I know what to expect in London derbies,” he concluded. “It's intense. And going off our performance [at Villa Park], I think we can go into that game with our heads held high and with confidence.”
