OPINION
Following the hammer blow that was losing Fabian Balbuena to injury against Watford on Saturday, centre back Angelo Ogbonna must step up over the festive period for West Ham United.
Hammers insider Claret & Hugh reported on Sunday that the Paraguay international is facing at least a month out with the knee ligaments injury he picked up last time out.
With Winston Reid out due to a long term setback Ogbonna is the obvious candidate to come in and replace Balbuena over the next month or so.
The Italian replaced his team mate against the Hornets and put in a solid effort, as he has done whenever he’s featured in the Carabao Cup this term.
The former Juventus man has been a victim of the fine form of Balbuena and Issa Diop this campaign more so than he has been left out due to poor form on his part. As mentioned he’s played well in patches this term, he just hasn’t been given a consistent run of games.
He will get that over the Christmas period and it will be interesting to see if he can solidify himself ahead of Balbuena’s eventual return.
The first test for him will be on Thursday against a resurgent Southampton side, where the in-form Danny Ings will offer him a severe test of his credentials.
Still, Ogbonna must realise he has the opportunity to save his ailing Hammers career here, and become a hero for the club at one of the most important times of the season.
He needs to step up to the plate and show why he deserves to be a part of this team moving forward. He has the talent to do so, he just needs to utilise it now.
If he can, he will be looked upon with adoration by the West Ham faithful. Let’s see if he can do the business over the next month or so.
