West Ham United defender Fabian Balbuena has spoken about what it was like growing up and watching Premier League football.
West Ham United defender Fabian Balbuena has revealed that he wants to be like Premier League greats Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
The 27-year-old ace moved to the London Stadium in the summer, after making a switch from Brazilian side Corinthians on a three-year deal.
After a shaky start to the campaign, which saw Balbuena and his new side lose their opening four league encounters, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have now won five out of their last seven games.
Centre-back Balbuena admitted at being in awe of the English Premier League as he explained that he admired both Ferdinand and Vidic for their time at Manchester United.
“I saw every game on TV and when I came to the Premier League in my head it seemed llke a movie because all the players want to play in the Premier League and now I make the target possible,” Balbuena told the Evening Standard.
“Was there anyone I wanted to be like? I liked Rio Ferdinand and [Nemanja] Vidic. I like the season I saw of them at Manchester United.”
During their time at Old Trafford, both Ferdinand and Vidic won numerous Premier League titles and lifted the Champions League in 2008.
Since his move to England, Balbuena has built a strong partnership with Frenchman Issa Diop at the heart of West Ham’s defence.
The Hammers’ four-match winning run has seen them rise into the top 10 of the Premier League as Pellegrini’s men aim for European football this term.
Balbuena and Diop, who have kept three clean sheets in 17 league matches this season, will be hoping to continue their fine run when they host Watford on home soil at the weekend.
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