Declan Rice Backs In-House Out of Favour Centre-Back

Consecutive wins, clean sheets, and a total of two shots against in that time frame will boost your defensive confidence as it has for West Ham with Declan Rice backing ‘odd man out’ defender.

As mentioned, the Hammers are on a role right now. As impressive as 4-0 and 3-0 scorelines are for the team’s offence, West Ham keeping Wolves to two shots on goal and Leicester to zero is arguably more important and shocking.

On paper, this team shouldn’t struggle to create so the goals are welcomed but expected to a degree, further boosting the remarkableness of the Hammers’ ability to shut down two uniquely quick and devasting offences.

Partially on his shoulders in these two wins, Fabian Balbuena’s return to the first team and form can’t be understated. Signed for peanuts from relative obscurity under Manuel Pellegrini, the Paraguayan has seen his form dip after benching Angelo Ogbonna ever since his heavy involvement in Copa Libertadores for his native country.

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With Issa Diop being forced out of the team due to positive Coronavirus testing, Balbuena has stepped up in his exact place and been solid.

Now, Declan Rice has spoken up and backed the once out of favour defender to have an immense impact on the first team and season moving forward. Rice stated:

"“We knew about Jamie Vardy’s threat and what he wants to do. We know his game, and I have to say Fabian Balbuena has had two games in the league now, after being in-and-out last season and he’s not had a run of games, and he’s been outstanding.”"

Rice went on to give Aaron Cresswell, another fill-in centre-back, and Vladimir Coufal recognition for their ability to step in and step up in the club’s time of need. But, is there something more sinister in the writing of this article?

All of this defensive praise from West Ham’s crown jewel Declan Rice on transfer deadline day? West Ham need another centre-back with David Moyes adamant for extra defensive coverage, especially after selling Grady Diangana to finance it, but does this ‘positive’ article suggest we may not need one?

It shouldn’t be any surprise that the spin job is on by David Sullivan’s media team ahead of what looks to be a depressing end to the international transfer window. Yes, West Ham could sign players from the Championship until October 16th, but there is no reason why we would sell our own homegrown winger to finance a move from a lower league.

Tinfoil hats out now, this article is one of many examples of the club trying to soften the blow of their inability to negotiate deals and sign players, especially since players are refusing to sign for West Ham when their own teams are don’t want them around anymore, like Arsenal’s Rob Holding and now Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger.

It is another negative drop in the bucket for the Sullivan, Gold, and Brady regime at West Ham, something supporters are becoming increasingly familiar with after every passing day. The finances are there, the need is there, the supporters are there, but the owners won’t stump up to make a difference and push on. Failure to push on is the acceptance of mediocrity.