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Big Al hands down his Hammers verdict

CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings hands down his verdict on the Hammers during a troubled campaign

 

Lukasz Fabianski: An interrupted season – sadly for us as well as Lukasz – but with the exception of Liverpool away, still our first choice No1 for a reason…..7

David Martin: Came to our rescue at a vital time. We owe David a lot. A solid if unspectacular ‘keeper. Never really let us down in the games he played…..6

Darren Randolph: Did nothing wrong in the few games he played. Decent back-up to Fab – but to be honest I’d have been just as happy with Martin as No2…..5.5

Aaron Cresswell: Aaron has turned what was thought a problem position into his own again. Not quite the Cresswell of old, but a solid season from a good pro…..7

Fabian Balbuena: Solid as a rock last season – the total opposite this. Looked nervy and lacking in confidence and authority – surprising for a ‘General’…..4

Pablo Zabaleta: The consummate professional. What he lacks in ‘legs’ he more than makes up for in experience. Hasn’t let us down in his last season…..6

Angelo Ogbonna: Didn’t start as first choice, but quickly showed that’s exactly what he is. Held the defence together at times. Top man deserving of top marks……8.5

Issa Diop: Another who struggled to reach the heights of last season. But has worked at it and recently back close to being the defender we all know he is…..6.5  

Ryan Fredericks: Continues to be a huge frustration. All the right attributes to be a decent full back/wing back, but still too inconsistent. Plus injury prone…..5

Arthur Masuaku: Flourished last time under Moyes – frequently floundered this time around. Just can’t defend – or concentrate. Huge liability for me…..3

Jeremy Ngakia: What a breath of fresh air this lad is. Seemingly nerveless. Quick in the tackle – exciting going forward. Jeremy has such a bright future…..

Why doesn’t Anderson show his ability

Felipe Anderson: The fact I haven’t got much hair is down to Felipe. I’ve pulled it out in chunks due to him. So much talent to offer – why oh why doesn’t he show it…..4.5

Manuel Lanzini: A little maestro who has lost his baton…along with his confidence. Sad to see how far he is now from the footballer we all idolised a short while ago…..4

Robert Snodgrass: Mr Reliable. Every time he takes the field you know what you’re getting from Snoddy – 110% commitment. Still a dead ball expert worth having…..7

Carlos Sanchez: Hopeless! Enough said…..0

Mark Noble: Slowing down – but aren’t we all? Still a respected influence on the park and in the dressing room. Could have been his last season as a regular first choice. …..6.5

Jack Wilshere: Started back in July as if he was set to become a regular – but that was pre-season. When the real action started he disappeared – usually to the treatment room…..3

Michail Antonio: We love him – most of the time. But can also be so frustrating. So much pace and power – if only he had more poise at times. Can’t really knock him though…..7

Declan Rice: Hard to believe he is still only 21. Worked his socks off all season long. Right up there with Oggy as this season’s star man. Close but not quite my top mark…..8

Pablo Fornals: Slow starter, but has grown in confidence and popularity as the season wore on. The fans love his energy and enthusiasm – and rightly so…..7

Tomas Soucek: Not that much to go on as he’s only made four appearances. But I like what I’ve seen. Plenty of energy mixed with what looks like a decent helping of class…..6.5

Andriy Yarmolenko: Injury plagued season so difficult to judge. For me a luxury player who has lacked ‘will’ or ‘determination’ when we have seen him play…..4  

Sebastien Haller: Started brightly, but alarming dip in form when we needed him most. Signs that with the right partner he could still be an asset to us…..5.5

Albian Ajeti: Little chance to shine – but when he was given a rare opportunity he sadly fluffed his lines…..4

Jarrod Bowen: Expecting great things from this young man. Very early days yet but what he’s shown already has been hugely encouraging. Definitely one for the future…..7

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

2 comments on “Big Al hands down his Hammers verdict

  1. If i was going to nitpick alan it would be to give wilshere a lower mark,one at best.Even when he has played he doesn’t do anything for me.Holds on to the ball too long so he gets caught in possession and is easily tackled also his passing isn’t up to much IMO.
    Other than that i think your ratings are spot on.

  2. Too much sentiment and ‘Legend’ stature clouding the obvious realities and situation regarding Noble, even YOU seem to have been generous with His score IMO, He’s a ‘Passenger’ and the sooner We address the problem the better…

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