West Ham United didn’t exactly have an exciting summer transfer window, but they may now be glad they didn’t sell one player over the summer.
The Hammers have been in decent form of late, losing just one of their last five Premier League games despite a tricky schedule.
David Moyes appears to have found his best formation, as West Ham have been faring well in the 5-4-1 system, utilising Vladimir Coufal and Arthur Masuaku as wing backs.
This system has also seen Fabian Balbuena feature alongside Angelo Ogbonna and Arthur Masuaku at centre back, and he has been in fine form.
Back in July, The Sun reported that West Ham were open to offers for Balbuena, with Moyes looking to offload him following the end of the season.
The 29-year-old didn’t get as much football as he’d have liked last season, but he helped West Ham keep clean sheets against Wolves and Leicester this season, then scored against Tottenham.
In just five games, Balbuena has racked up 29 clearances and 12 interceptions, showing the desire to defend first and anything else comes second – something you don’t often see these days.
He may not be flashy, but Balbuena is bringing solid performances to the West Ham back line, and justifying Moyes’ decision to leave the bigger-name Issa Diop on the bench.
West Ham could have flogged Balbuena over the summer, and maybe he’s only still at the London Stadium because they couldn’t find a buyer.
Whatever the reason, West Ham will now be thankful that Balbuena is still at the club – and he doesn’t look like being displaced from the side any time soon.
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