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Angelo Ogbonna’s Indian summer at West Ham United

By Henry Tomlinson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on January 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on January 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Ogbonna has had a renaissance this season for West Ham United. The Italian was solid at the back and vital to the club’s survival.

At the start of the season, Angelo Ogbonna was certain to be the third choice centre-back. This is because of the partnership Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop formed last season for West Ham. But this situation quickly changed as Balbuena was suffering from a long season and Copa America last summer.

With Balbuena’s failings, Ogbonna was given a chance to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven. This chance the Italian grabbed with both hands. The 32-year-old went on to have one of his best seasons in claret and blue.

According to whoscored Ogbonna averaged over 1.2 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per 90 minutes, but his best stat was clearances. The defender managed an average of 4.2 clearances per 90 which shows how vital Ogbonna’s defensive contribution has been throughout this season. The Italian also contributed at the other end of the pitch, scoring 2 goals in his 31 Premier League appearances, his goals came against Arsenal and Tottenham.

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The Italian was astonishing this season, especially as he had to cover for other defenders responsibilities. Aaron Cresswell and Issa Diop both struggled to find their form over the season often leaving Ogbonna in trouble and having to clean up their messes.

Ogbonna’s performances received some praise from West Ham’s Hammer of the Year Declan Rice. The Englishman named Ogbonna “my hammer of the year” showing how much he had been impressed by his performances. Rice went on to call Ogbonna an “absolute rock” in his tweet, praising the defender’s solidity.

Next. West Ham’s transfer plans may have to wait on Play-off results. dark

Season Grade – A-

Ogbonna was near perfect during the 2019-20 season. The only reason he hasn’t scored an A+ is due to the few games he through injury. If Ogbonna had not missed these games it is very likely he would have been awarded Hammer of the Year himself.