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Fabian Balbuena’s resurgence has come at the perfect time for West Ham

By Jeremiah Carson

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: David Martin of West Ham United celebrates with teammate Fabian Balbuena following the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: David Martin of West Ham United celebrates with teammate Fabian Balbuena following the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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A growing trend for West Ham United is that its backline reshaping up. Part of the resurgence comes from the help of Fabian Balbuena and his perfect timing.

The story of the Hammers backline starts back in the preseason when many expected both Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena to boss the center back area just like they had last season for West Ham. The outcome of that thought was short-lived however and that area became an instant panic button.

From the preseason through the first match against Manchester City, Balbuena was a starter next to Diop but just one week later and Pellegrini moved Balbuena out and Angelo Ogbonna in. Over the next 8 matches, Fabian saw the bench 7 of those times only seeing 1 minute total.

Due to injuries plaguing that position he was forced back into duty but was woeful over the next three matches bringing him and his character into question. If it wasn’t for Issa Diop getting an overage of yellow cards forcing him to sit, who knows if he would’ve gotten another chance or not.

Since his return to action over the past month the Hammers have won 2 and lost 2 but the play of the Paraguayan has been pretty phenomenal. WhoScored.com gave him an average of 7.12 over the last 4 matches as has excelled at just the right time.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Danny Ings of Southampton shoots past Fabian Balbuena of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and West Ham United at St Mary’s Stadium on December 14, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Danny Ings of Southampton shoots past Fabian Balbuena of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and West Ham United at St Mary’s Stadium on December 14, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

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From going from getting beat on every through ball to looking completely lost in the box Fabian Balbuena has been able to gather his confidence once more and reshape back into the solidified center back that West Ham has come to know and love.

His strengths might not involve passing out of the box but he had done a remarkable job of winning aerial duels and intercepting key passes. Balbuena has averaged 4.8 aerials won per match, making David Martin’s job in net much easier and the rest of the squad more at ease.

Balbuena has continued to be a hassle for defenders on set pieces, scoring once, which is a necessity as of late for the Hammers and their training staff.  As Issa Diop waits patiently on the bench for his opportunity to come back, the General might not make it as easy as expected.

Next. West Ham win with 2 up front, imagine that. dark

Timing is everything when it comes to form in football and it seems that not only has Fabian Balbuena’s form peaked at the right time for him but the entirety West Ham United and he has had a big influence on how the Hammers defensive backline has looked and will hopefully continue to look.