Robert Snodgrass is beginning to develop like the proverbial wine …which as we all know gets better with age.
It still seems extraordinary that after £100 million being invested in in the squad during the summer that it should be the previously on loan £10 million signing who has been right up there as one of the very best this season.
His determination and commitment are one thing – there’s never anything left on the pitch by the former Hull winger but there’s now more to his game than that.
Two cracking goals have eased the pressure during Marko Arnautovic’s absence and his all action approach has been inspirational in itself.
Unsurprisingly he put it down to the manager whom he believes is bringing a new dimension to his game and that of others such as Michail Antonio who is looking better match by match.
And in an Evening Standard interview he revealed how he is listening to the manager’s words very carefully as his game improves.
He said: “ I am just playing how the manager wants me to play. He is speaking to me a lot about every position. That’s what you want as a footballer and he tells you how you can be better.
“He’s a perfectionist, very good, and has been at that level for a reason and you are starting to see his ethos now. He is big on clean sheets so we are really happy.
“He does it with everyone, he want everybody to be better. You look at Michail Antonio and that’s why he has been at the top, he wants the best from the players he has got.
“You need to listen to him, you can only learn. I’m 31 and still learning and have learned a lot this season so the most important thing is get you head down, work hard for the team and when it’s all said and done, it’s about the team and not individuals.”
His attitude is brilliant, his work rate is brilliant, and now his performances is brilliant.
He has my respect. He’s a real role model for any young player wanting to make it as a professional football player.
Lucky to have him
Completely agree. For me, it’s his mental strength I most admire. When most others (not mentioning any names that sound like university towns…) would sulk, give up and look for a move away, he has come back into a pretty negative place (for him) and has worked hard to prove his worth. It would’ve been easier for him to believe his Hammers days were over, but no, he’s stuck at it and the rewards are being realised. That’s worth millions on a player’s value, and I’m so glad to see it.
It seems likely the source of the quality performances from Snodgrass and Antonio would be the quality of leadership, integrity and professionalism imported by Pellegrini and his coaching team. A player who feels genuinely appreciated, respected and simply ‘loved’ a.k.a. valued by his coaches is more likely to flourish and thrive. Zaba is a prime example of a player who trusts his coach.
Brilliant moment for Snodgrass and Antonio who have had to take unnecessary ‘stick’ from fans as well as media. Especially Antonio who had to suffer cruel and evil taunts about not having a tactical ‘brain’ or technique: what a disgrace. Yeah, delighted for the Guys – they are admirable professionals.