This guy is claret and blue,through and through!

West Ham’s longest serving player, Mark Noble, is enjoying a bit of a renaissance this season in the Championship.  Since his debut for the first team at age 17 (he is still the youngest player to play in a West Ham reserve match, aged 15), Noble has been a regular at Upton Park, though he has often come in for criticism over the years for inconsistent performances and a lack of creativity.  However, this is a case for the 24 year old midfielder, whom I feel is one of the most vital parts to West Ham’s current push for promotion.
There is not a single player in the squad that loves the club more than Mark Noble.  His commitment has been evident throughout his career, with tears shed and passionate celebrations after key goals.  He’s on record saying that “When West Ham lose it feels like the whole world is coming down on me.” His commitment alone is an asset to a club that looks to be in a bit of a transition with numerous players coming in and out.  He’s virtually a de facto vice-captain.  As for what he has to offer the squad purely in ability, I feel he has been sold short.

Noble is a classic English midfielder, with more grit than guile, but the finer side of is game should not be overlooked.  He’s a great dead ball taker, whether a free kick, penalty or a corner (his delivery to Diop against Barnsley was impeccable).  He’s got a very good shot and has a good eye for an occasional long through ball.   But the part of the game that holds the most weight is by far his ability to break play up in midfield and make a good pass to someone farther up field.  In the current team under Sam Allardyce, and with Scott Parker gone to Spurs, Noble has found room to play his own game and has done a good job this season at protecting an injury stricken back line while maintaining his penchant for running the length of the pitch.

Mark Noble has a wealth of experience, for West Ham in the Premier League and the Championship, and for England at every youth level, captaining his fair share of the teams.  His passion for wearing the shirt is second to none, and his tireless running is a great testament to his character and to the passion associated with the club. He has become a player that the manager puts on the team sheet before most others and allows the midfield the ability to go forward to support an often solitary striker without leaving the defense hanging out to dry. I sincerely hope that amidst the endless transfer rumors this winter, Mark Noble stays at Upton Park.  The club need him for the push back to the Premier League.  More to the point, I hope Noble ends his career at West Ham as one of those iconic figures with immense numbers of appearances for a club that we all support. A true Hammer.

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