Is Jose Mourinho really inspiring this West Ham United star to be a better player?

Jose Mourinho is a very powerful man. Not only does he win titles wherever he goes, his talents also apparently extend to motivating the opposition and players his club are interested in.

That is according to West Ham United forward Enner Valencia at least, who has been speaking about the links with London rivals Chelsea, and noted that no matter what happens come the end of the season, they have made him a better player and motivated him.

Valencia claimed: ‘If a team like Chelsea is interested in me, it’s a big compliment. It makes me want to keep on getting better.’

West Ham have been nothing but impressive this season and there is no doubt that Valencia has been a big part of that, but as we know when a club with the cash Chelsea can boast comes calling, it is very hard to turn offers down – that is if the Blues still hold a candle for Valencia come the summer given there are emerging players all the time who attract the top sides, not to mention the fact that should the Hammers manage to get a European place, Valencia may well want to stay at the club.

It is more than reasonable to claim that interest from other clubs and managers make a player up their game – they may not even harbour any intentions of actually wanting to leave the club they are currently at, simply enjoying the recognition and attention – and the fact that far more game time is offered to Valencia at West Ham than it would be at Stamford Bridge will not be an unknown fact by the player – and for now, staying put is the best thing for him.

Hammers fans might not love the interest in their players from opposition clubs but to get those admiring glances, they have to be playing well and that is never something to be complained about.

West Ham fans. Is Mourinho seriously interested in Valencia? Can you at least get a good price for him? Let us know your thoughts below, become a guest blogger or tweet us @LaFootyettes.