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West Ham’s Defensive signings could be bargains of the season

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United saves a shot from Alvaro Morata of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on September 23, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United saves a shot from Alvaro Morata of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on September 23, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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When the transfer window was over, most attention was on new signings Yarmolenko and Anderson. But it looks like 2 defensive signings could prove to be West Ham’s bargains of the season.

West Ham have a history of making poor transfer decisions. We’ve signed goalless strikers, hapless defenders and injury ridden players from all over the pitch. So 100m spent over the summer was always going to attract attention. But two of the signings we made for under 10m could be the best of the season.

Fabianski joined the Hammers from relegated Swansea, and has put in consistently great performances so far. In front of him, Balabuena took a while to get settled but now looks comfortable in the Premier League. Given that they were signed for 6m and 3.5m respectively, you’d be hard pressed to find better value across the league.

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Under the radar

It’s a curse of defenders and goalkeepers that their hard work often goes unnoticed. They only tend to make the headlines when something goes wrong. And so it remains that way in the transfer window. The attackers attract the fees, headlines and fan speculation most readily.

Many thought Balbuena was another bargain basement signing when it was made and others, including myself, felt he could take a while to get used to the Premier League. However it’s been 6 games and after a rude awakening he looks comfortable and assured. His defensive partner Diop looks like a great purchase as well, but given his age and presence in the French youth team we had to pay a premium there. For Balbuena, an experienced international, we paid a pittance.

Fabianski was seen by some as a consolation prize. The big name of relegated keepers was Butland, and the reported asking price was expectant of that. But for around a sixth of the price we signed a keeper who has made more saves than anyone else in the league (except for Burnley’s Hart) and hasn’t looked like making a mistake. His bravery and command of the box has been a standout feature.

Next. Rice is our DM for the long term. dark

With these two (and Diop) in the heart of our defence, I have gone from ever nervous to confident of our shape. The higher line looks like a plan now rather than desperate, and these two really boost us. For 10m we have secured ourselves a defensive answer for the next few seasons at least.