Every Hammer rated at Christmas

 

Hughie Southon gives his ratings (where applicable) to all those who have appeared in a claret and blue shirt this season

 

Fabianski: Still the very obvious Number One on what we have seen from Areola. Been in fine form most of the season but I do wish he would distribute the ball a lot quicker 7+

Areola: Has done himself no harm in rare excursions but still has plenty to prove for me 6

Coufal: Still waiting for him to hit the heights of last season but remains a very good full back indeed 7

Fredericks: Seriously struggled with injury to the point where impossible to give a rating

Cresswell: Outstanding season until injury intervened. One of the top Hammers in this first half report and we really need him back 8

Johnson: Has really come of age on both sides of defence this season – more than just a prospect now, rather a key squad player 7

Zouma: Brought considerable security to the central defensive. Top signing 8

Ogbonna: 34 years young, injured of course but fine performances whilst in action 8

Diop: Has let absolutely nobody down following injuries to the top pair. Done very well 7

Dawson: Remarkable signing at the money – quality defending and always an eye for goal from set pieces 7+

Rice: We are running out of words – gets better match on match and adding those surging runs to his armoury has made him a major threat 9

Soucek: Hasn’t been at his supreme best this season although there have been signs of late that he may be getting back to somewhere closer to it. 6+

Masuaka: Apart from the bizarre winner against Chelsea it’s been a season toi largely forget 4

Kral: Not seen enough of him to arrive at a serious conclusion but looks a reasonable  loan 5

Alese: Just the one game but looked very good against Dinamo Zagreb . Too early for a rating

Baptiste: As above

Longleo: Hugely impressive against Dinamo – big future beckons

Ashby: Absolutely tremendous prospect – love this kid 7

Fornals: Has added goals to his game and is so high energy. 7

Lanzini: Looking better than he has for many months but there has to be more to come 6+

Benrahma: Disappointing first half. Nearly £30m is a lot for what we’ve seen so far 5

Noble: Has left nobody down on his few appearances 7

Vlasic: Slow start to his claret and blue career but signs of late that he could become very effective  6+

Perkins: Looks promising – time on his side

Yarmolenko: Nightmare  who has made it clear to his national boss he wants out and it really looks like it 2

Bowen: Hugely impressive and a player to rely on game after game. Eye for goal, great passing ability and always there to ease pressure on defence with great wing runs 9

Antonio: Off the boil after a great start to the season but he’ll be back 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