The world of football is still in a standstill due to the worldwide pandemic that we find ourselves in, and with no signs that a return to normality is imminent, fans from across the globe look to be facing a long hiatus without their beloved sport.
It isn’t just supporters of the game that will be dearly missing it, however, as players are stuck in limbo as to when they will be back out on the pitch. None more so than West Ham captain Mark Noble who, up until the postponement of the Premier League, had been facing his fair share of critics.
Claims that his influence on the pitch was waning, as his midfield partner Declan Rice often looked as though he was holding the fort down on his own, were being repeated more so than ever. This, along with questionable decision-making in regard to his on-field leadership, such as when he sparked a dispute with Angelo Ogbonna away at Selhurst Park, led to calls of dropping the not-so-England international to the bench.
Of course, these debates have been argued long before this season, and Noble has often proved doubters wrong while always finding a way back to the Hammers’ starting line-up. But as he turns 33 years old next month, and with no certainty as to when football will return, could Irons fans have seen the last of ‘Mr. West Ham’ as a regular starting midfielder?
The January addition of Czech international Tomas Soucek doesn’t help Noble’s case, as thus far in his limited Hammers appearances, the 25-year-old has helped bring a different dimension to David Moyes’ midfield, with his physicality and work-rate proving essential. Soucek is only on loan until the end of the season (whenever that may be), but for all intents and purposes, the club will be looking to make the signing permanent whenever the next transfer window takes place.
Despite all of this, there seems to be no evidence that Noble’s influence in the dressing room has regressed, as based on all the media that West Ham share, he welcomes every new addition to Rush Green with open arms and makes them feel instantly at home. The togetherness between the players seems as healthy as ever, and Noble is a key reason for that being the case.
But that, unless proven wrong, is where many would argue his influence should stay in the future, as Moyes is looking to build a bright and youthful team that can compete with the speed and physicality of the Premier League on a weekly basis.
There is no doubt that Noble is still capable of high-level performances, namely against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, but whether he can cope with a full season at the highest level anymore, is arguable at best.