OPINION
West Ham have had a fair amount of flops this season that have not been up to the necessary standard, but defender Angelo Ogbonna has been one of the rare players to reach their top level.
The 29-year-old centre-back is very much an underrated star in the Premier League and supporters at the London Stadium will know how vital he has been in keeping the club in the top flight.
He has been at the heart of David Moyes’ backline and his leadership has especially helped integrate rising star Declan Rice in recent months.
Ogbonna has been particularly integral during the club’s mini defensive renaissance late in the season, as they enter the final day on the back of two consecutive clean sheets.
The Italy international is a no-nonsense defender that is strong in the air and is also very comfortable in possession.
He offers great balance in the defence with his left foot and he has to be regarded as one of the club’s best performers this season, ranking up alongside the likes of Marko Arnautovic and Mark Noble.
West Ham do need to sharpen up defensively ahead of next campaign after disappointing with their backs to goal this year, but the blame can’t be shifted onto Ogbonna.
The Hammers have to be looking to build their new defence around him next season, but the reported £10million fee they paid for the ex-Juventus ace in 2015 looks like money well spent.
