Mark Noble’s West Ham future has become a hardy annual over recent years but after his 2018/19 end of season it’s hard to imagine him not being a big part of the plan next season.
The 32 year old skipper was in stupendous form towards the end of a campaign which came far too soon for him and in a squad crowded with midfielders it’s difficult not to see a place for him in the team this time around.
With Pedro Obiang actively wanting away and the club eager to bring in funds for him, Nobes’ position seems more than secure.
He is one of the few genuine holding midfielders available among a glut of creative types who will be fighting for a place in Pelle’s attacking line up.
He looks also to be the only player – assuming the boss isn’t in the market for another defensive midfielder – who could provide some cover should Declan be injured or suspended.
It really is difficult to imagine West Ham without Nobes who appears to have defied the James Collins view of a few months ago that he had no serious future under Pellegrini.
In fact he has a contract with the Irons until 2021 and there won’t be many betting against him seeing them out – hopefully in the sort of style he showed against Spurs, Southampton and Watford.
He’s becoming a man for all seasons!
COYI
Are you serious, his legs had gone by January, his late Renaissance at the back end of the season was because he was pushed forward allowing Rice to hold the midfield together so saving nobes legs and not being a defensive disaster he had become,
I’m not sure that such tactical planning devalues his performances
Could not disagree more about Noble. He showed his leadership and football intelligence toward the end of the campaign by running the show on numerous occasions. Long Live the Noble king!!