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Robert Snodgrass finally able to show West Ham his ability

By Scott Johnson

KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Robert Snodgrass of West Ham United controls the ball while under pressure from Scott Wagstaff of AFC Wimbledon during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on August 28, 2018 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Robert Snodgrass of West Ham United controls the ball while under pressure from Scott Wagstaff of AFC Wimbledon during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on August 28, 2018 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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West Ham have not been on top form for the opening of the season, but Snodgrass has largely impressed. He has finally got a chance to show why we signed him.

When Bilic signed Snodgrass after Payet left, and played him in the same position the Frenchman had taken up, it screamed of desperation. Yes Snodgrass was having a decent season for Hull, and was a good set piece taker, but a like for like? West Ham had definitely made better decisions if that was the intention.

However 18 months on and Snodgrass has been backed by fans to act as a link between midfield and attack. Keeping hold of the ball and calming the side down, he looks much more comfortable under Pellegrini that at any time with Bilic. The Chilean has only done one thing different. Played him in the right position.

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Last season Snodgrass was vital to loan club Villa as they stormed into the playoffs, and at times showed exactly why the Hammers had signed him. Obviously it’s hard to compare the Championship and the Premier League, and many fans still wanted him out during the summer.

But by Pellegrini playing him on the right, for the most part, or centrally we have seen him show the range of passing, creativity and vision that led us to buy him in the first place. Quite simply, it seems putting a player where he wants to play is really beneficial. Who would have thought it!

Whilst there are more exciting options around him, for the time being I think Snodgrass is necessary in the Hammers side. Unlike the new boys he has a lot of experience in the league, and has a calmer head than most. With West Ham struggling for points that consistency in the pitch could really help get the best performances out of the men around him.

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I’m not calling for him to be named an early Hammer of the Year, or our star player. However with Noble likely to be missing a lot of early games and other attackers misfiring, I think the Hammers should be playing Snodgrass regularly to push continuity in the side and get the best out of a side struggling to adapt to a very different style.