West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has heaped praise on veteran midfielder Mark Noble, claiming that he is “so important” to the side.
The 32-year-old enjoyed another fine campaign for the Hammers this season, and capped it off with a brace in a thumping 4-1 win over Watford on Sunday.
And Pellegrini has been eager to reiterate his importance to the Hammers.
As quoted by the club’s official Twitter, he said: “Mark Noble reflects absolutely what this club is.
“He’s not only a good player, but he’s also the leader and that’s so important for a manager.”
“Mark Noble reflects absolutely what this club is. He’s not only a good player, but he’s also the leader and that’s so important for a manager.” – Manuel Pellegrini pic.twitter.com/YsB7YoXkh9
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 14, 2019
OPINION
What can you say about Mark Noble that hasn’t already been said? The midfielder may not always be the most eye-catching of players, but is always in there, doing his bit and rallying those around him. For years now, he has been Mr. West Ham, and it will be a sad day when he does eventually retire. This is a player who has spent his life with the club, who understands it inside out, and who embodies everything about it. You would hope and assume that he will be offered a role with the club when he does hang up his boots, and who better to bring into the fold than a man with as much passion and commitment for the Irons as Noble has? Pellegrini could do far worse than having him as an advisor. For now, however, Noble is still a crucial part of this West Ham side, and he will feel that he still has a few more years dominating matches in the centre of the park in claret and blue.
