Fabian Balbuena is some find. The 27-year-old Paraguayan defender was signed by Manuel Pellegrini over the summer from Corinthians for the minuscule sum of just £3 million and so far he’s proven to be more than worth that amount.
Just a Balbuena appreciation post. pic.twitter.com/TBUo8dSA6M
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 17, 2018
Partnering up with fellow new-boy Issa Diop in the middle of the park, Balbuena has been an absolute colossus at the London Stadium and has so far been able to deal with pretty much everything that the Premier League has thrown at him. He’s shown his worth in all of his appearances this season, and it says a lot as his current form has been crucial to the Irons current run of four straight wins.
However, put those heavy defeats aside for a minute and have a look at the player himself. The Paraguayan is a force of nature in the Hammers’ backline and he’s done his bit time and time again to show that this West Ham side are no pushovers. Balbuena and co are currently 9th in the Premier League, but they’re just two points behind Manchester United in 6th, and a top-six finish could be a real possibility for a Balbuena inspired West Ham side.
You can read the Hammers’ thoughts on Balbuena after his first half a season here:
What a find he has been. We salute you, general pic.twitter.com/tYAmrTwmiA
— Claret and Blue Army (@WestHamCBArmy) December 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/MrMarkyWHU/status/1074699032742760449
The general
— ⚒ (@whudjo) December 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/MatthewCole2892/status/1074707629270802433
I had doubts but he’s actually solid
— RubenSzn (@FtblMaxx) December 17, 2018
Great season so far bargin of the summer
— S (@1Westhamsteve) December 18, 2018
What A Find!!!
— FPL Stalker (@fplstalker) December 18, 2018
Simply outstanding defending recently.COYI
— Dean Huby (@Traintolive1) 17 December 2018
The Hammers absolutely love Balbuena and will hope he can carry on performing as Pellegrini’s side continue their sublime form.
