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West Ham: Player Grades 2021/22

By Alex Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrates their sides second goal with team mate Aaron Cresswell during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on May 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrates their sides second goal with team mate Aaron Cresswell during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on May 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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West Ham have enjoyed another successful campaign in the 2021/22 season reaching the Europa League semi-final and securing European football again for next season via a top seven league finish.

As the season draws to a close, it’s time to rate and review each individual player’s year long performance as well as manager David Moyes.

Let’s find out who the stars were in the Hammers squad.

West Ham end of season player grades: Featuirng Declan Rice, Craig Dawson and more.

West Ham's Craig Dawson is mobbed by his teammates after scoring the first of the three goals versus Lyon.
West Ham’s Craig Dawson (C) opening the scoring in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second-leg match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and West Ham United. /

Lukasz Fabianski – B

It remains to be seen whether he remains as No.1 for next season but the Polish keeper has again been mostly dependable in goal. Admittedly he has made a few mistakes but he is trustworthy in goal. He has made a number of vital saves, most recently a penalty stop from Man City’s Riyad Mahrez, that helped West Ham secure at least Conference League when things resume after the summer.

Alphonse Areola – A

Rumours suggest West Ham are increasingly likely to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent deal which is music to most fans’ ears. He has become a popular figure with supporters after a numourous good cup performances. Areola was exceptional versus Man City in Carabao Cup as well as being solid throughout the Europa League campaign. He made crucial saves in wins versus Sevilla and Lyon, without him the Irons may not have made the semi-final.

Ben Johnson – A

The youngster hasn’t really put a foot wrong whether he’s played right-back, left-back or even centre-back in a three. His versatility has been vital and looks assured defensively despite needing to improve his attacking game e.g. crossing to reach the next level. But for a youngster in his first year featuring regularly he has done well.

Vladimir Coufal – C

The Czech international was one of the best right-backs in the Premier League last season so perhaps those expectations are his downfull. Unfortunately he’s missed 14 games through two injury spells and lost his place to Johnson while out.

Ryan Fredericks – C

The speedster looks set to leave West Ham with his contract expiring this summer. He has never been overly convincing defensively but he has certainly improved under the coaching of Moyes and Stuart Pearce. He’s another who hasn’t put much of a foot wrong this season but giving his limited time in the starting XI he can’t be graded too highly.

Kurt Zouma – B+

His first season in claret and blue has been a major success besides some off-field kicking of cats! The Frenchman has slotted in perfectly on the left or right side of defensive no matter his centre-back partner. His winner versus Liverpool was unforgettable.

Craig Dawson – A+

He signed from Watford for £2million to complaints and he is now a cult hero. He will head anything out, pop up with a few goals, has criminally underrated long passing and puts his body on the line every game, he even played through injury for a spell this season. Europa League team of the season and 3rd place in the Hammer of the Year vote – well done.