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Fabian Balbuena comments on West Ham United’s Javier Hernandez

West Ham United FC/West Ham United via Getty Images
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Javier Hernandez has made just two Premier League starts for West Ham United this season with Manuel Pellegrini favouring other options.

Fabian Balbuena of West Ham gestures during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on September 16, 2018 in Liverpool, England.

Fabian Balbuena has admitted to West Ham United’s official website that he believes Javier Hernandez has a great deal of quality.

Hernandez scored his first Premier League goal of the season for West Ham, after coming off the substitutes’ bench against Burnley in Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s victory at the weekend.

And Balbuena was keen to praise Hernandez, as well as West Ham’s other key attacking options.

“We know the quality that Felipe has, which is a lot, and it’s the same with Marko [Arnautovic], Chicharito and all the other guys on the pitch,” the centre-back said.

“They all tried to give 100 per cent to help the team to win and I think everybody gave everything to get the three points on Saturday.”

For Hernandez to get a name-check in Balbuena’s praise is notable, as he has been out of favour this season.

Javier Chicharito Hernandez of West Ham United during Training at Rush Green on August 30, 2018 in Romford, England.

The Mexican international enjoyed an excellent World Cup, but he has not carried that form into the club campaign.

West Ham have rarely picked Hernandez, with the striker making just two league starts all campaign.

Marko Arnautovic appears to have established himself as West Ham’s main striker, with Hernandez now just playing a reserve role.

It is not yet clear where Hernandez’s future now lies, with speculation mounting over whether he will stay at the London Stadium beyond January.

Javier Hernandez Chicharito during the friendly match between West Ham United and SCO Angers on August 3, 2018 in Grodig, Austria.