West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is full of praise for Hammers’ veteran centre back James Collins for his recent displays.
The Welsh international has returned to the starting eleven for the past five games, helping to keep two clean sheets and scoring a goal in the process, and Bilic has hailed the 33 year old for being a strong leader. He told the club’s official website:
“Collins is exactly in the dressing room as he is on the pitch. He is like Braveheart! He does everything, he’s one of the leaders and he’s there for everyone. The way he’s playing he deserves a lot of praise.”
West Ham’s difficulties in defence have been well documented this season. The club has the fourth worst defensive record in the entire Premier League. The switch to a back three against Everton certainly helped matters with the experience of Collins, alongside Winston Reid and Jose Fonte, giving the side some much needed solidity at the back.
The Hammers face Stoke City tomorrow afternoon, and head into to the match on 38 points with Bilic hoping for a win that could take them over the “magic” 40 point mark which should secure another season in the Premier League.
