Fabian Balbuena will be very unfortunate should he find himself behind Issa Diop for first-team selection at the weekend.
The Paraguayan played a key part in the match against Spurs, grabbing a well-headed goal and producing another competent performance at the back.
Given that he had spent 20 hours in the air returning from international duty with Paraguay, that was an impressive display from the central defender.
With Diop now recovered from Covid-19, the battle is back on between the two of them for a starting role with Angelo Ogbonna now a fixture after regular high-class performances.
And with Craig Dawson available for emergencies we don’t look as badly off – given Balbuena’s recent form – as some might have believed earlier in the season.
Like the rest of the squad,the General is delighted with the way things are going and reckons most Premier League teams will now be seeing a match against the Irons as a tough call.
Commenting at West Ham’s official website, he said: “We know that only eleven can start and then you have to wait for your opportunity, which I did, working every day and never giving up, doing my best so that when I got my opportunity I was able to take it as I did.”
Delighted with the amazing comeback he added: We knew we were playing against a good team and away from home, so I think the way we are working and the way we are playing we know we are in the correct way. We just have to keep going and keep working as we are doing.
When you don’t play, you feel a little bit without confidence but that is normal because every player wants to play.
We know that only eleven can start and then you have to wait for your opportunity, which I did, working every day and never giving up, doing my best so that when I got my opportunity I was able to take it as I did.”
I think Balbuena stays as part of an unchanged back 3 which is a formation that seems to suit him. They all deserve to keep their places based on the last 4 Prem games. I think Balbuena brings a calmness and organisation to the defence and while he lacks pace compared to Diop (and Son on Sunday but Son is rapid), Diop can get caught out of position and panic sometimes. I’m happy they’re both part of our squad. Just a suggestion – could Diop play defensive midfield if needed in the style of Kouyate?
I agree. Balbuena got a lot of stick that was a bit unfair imo yes had slow start last season & Pellegrini took off bc he said put him into soon after being in Paraguay. Diop struggled too last season but he got a lot more games then Balbuena & then he had to get use to Moyes. Since restart he has looked solid to me & for £4m £30k a week he is a solid CB at agreed price, lacks pace but most our CBs do, our next CB needs pace. A lot wanted to sell him, his deal is up this June but I’d give another two years tbh. He gets on with everyone does, doesn’t loan of doesn’t every game, knows the club & will help in giving Baptiste or Ashby if he goes back to CB which I think back 3 suits him time. Or of we buy a young CB then when can gradually introduce instead of playing once bc injuries then writing off.
Be hard to find a CB of his quality with his character for the money he cost. So hopefully in January him & Antonio get new deals.
Love Balbuena for his calm professionalism and influence. He is not pacy so must not be exposed to foot chases – but his character against Spuds was great. He is still a valid option short term – but we know the score at the back.