OPINION
West Ham United defender Fabian Balbuena dazzled at the start of the season after he was signed in the summer, with his partnership with Issa Diop in the centre of the defence being one of his main highlights.
However, since he got injured and was sidelined, Angelo Ogbonna has had to step in and take his place in the team – a prospect which would have no doubt left some fans frustrated.
Their frustrations were made clear after he failed to impress in his first chunk of games, and rightly so – but since then, his form has rapidly improved and he has no doubt won the hearts of many supporters in the process.
Balbuena is nearing full fitness, and even though that may seem like good news to the majority, it means that boss Manuel Pellegrini has a tough choice to make – or does he?
Just because he may be on the verge of a return, that does not mean the manager must automatically start Balbuena in the place of Ogbonna, in fact, he must resist the temptation to start the 6ft 2in [Transfermarkt] ace instead.
Ogbonna has been terrific lately, and it would be a shame to see his game against Manchester City on Wednesday be his last appearance for a while.
The effort he has put in recently has been admirable, and he has really put in a decent shift alongside Diop, a player who he has formed a good partnership with.
It is good that Pellegrini now has more options to call upon in central defence, but it would be harsh on the 30-year-old to be suddenly axed in favour of Balbuena.
Pellegrini must disappoint the summer signing when he is available, as Ogbonna has been doing a stellar job in recent times.
