Mark Noble proves he’s still got it in cameo vs Liverpool

Soon to retire West Ham captain Mark Noble came off the bench in the 61st minute in the Hammers 1-0 loss to Liverpool.

David Moyes’ side were excellent in restricting the title chasers to few chances and should’ve at least got something a point from the game, Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini both missed glorious opportunities as West Ham had Liverpool on the ropes at times.

When Noble came on he offered a great range of passing and composure on the ball proving he’s still got it at the highest level.

West Ham legend Mark Noble proved he will be able to play at the highest level right up until his soon retirement after a great substitute performance versus Liverpool.

The day the number 16 hangs up his boots is just a matter of months away. After making his debut back in 2004, Noble has been a committed servant of the club for 17 years and is expected to carry on at West Ham in either a coaching or technical director role.

It’s credit to Noble that he’s been picked regularly under every manager, playing in all different tactics, from Alan Pardew giving him his debut to David Moyes.

The thought of a West Ham squad without him in it is foreign to many younger Hammers fans and there is no doubt he will go down as a legend especially in the age where one club men are hard to find.

Noble was never the quickest and his lack of pace and ability to carry the ball now at the age of 34 is the reason he can’t start every week but when called upon this season he’s been excellent. He was solid in the Europa League matches and guided the young players in game versus Dinamo Zagreb. Not forgetting his exceptional performance in the Carabao Cup victory over Man City or the Premier League win against Watford.

There’s a feeling he shouldn’t retire just yet, his cameo at Anfield against world-class opponents proved he’s still an underappreciated player and can do it against the best.

However, Noble has chosen to go out while still a valuable part of the team rather than depreciating and become ‘past it’.

You can only imagine the whole he will leave in the dressing room; Declan Rice cites him as an inspiration and Noble is bigger in helping the youth players and new signings settle in.

He will retire knowing West Ham are in a better position now than the club has been in in some time and perhaps that is the best way to show his influence and pass the baton on to the next Hammers hero.

His last game will be an extremely emotional occasion and hopefully with a good end to the season he can leave West Ham on a high.