OPINION
West Ham must milk every last bit of quality out of Pablo Zabaleta after the defender simply hoped that he had one good year left in him at the club.
The 33-year-old has been a standout performer in what has been a disappointing campaign at the London Stadium and the Hammers need to make sure they make the most of his presence.
The Argentina international opted to comment on his Hammers future on Thursday, following his side’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
“I still have one more year (on my West Ham contract), I am not thinking about moving this summer, I have been enjoying it even though it has not been a great season,” revealed Zabaleta, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“I have played 36 games and if I play the next game it will be 37. I only missed one game and that was because I have been suspended so it was injury free. I have found myself playing wing-back at 33 – it was not too easy!
“But listen, I ran my heart out for the team this season.
“I came to enjoy my last few years in football in the strongest league in the world and so hopefully have one more good year at West Ham.”
Zabaleta has featured 38 times this season, playing as a right-back, right wing-back, right-midfielder, defensive midfielder and at brief times as part of the central pairing in the heart of the team.
The Premier League veteran’s willingness to do whatever job the team requires of him is admirable, but he has also maintained a high level of performance when moving around the side.
Zabaleta arguably had a case to make when it came to fans naming their Hammers Player of the Year as few wore their hearts on their sleeve like the 33-year-old did, however Marko Arnautovic picked up the accolade.
While David Moyes’ side lacked, and still do, some younger legs in their squad, the way Zabaleta threw himself about the pitch you would have been excused for thinking he was a bit younger than 33, well at least his legs.
The defender proved that age is merely a number and if he does end up leaving at when his Hammers contract expires in 2019, then the club need to ensure that they get every last stellar performance out of him before he departs.
