Tony Cottee has compared Robert Snodgrass to West Ham United legend Billy Bonds in the build-up to Saturday’s clash with Newcastle United.
The former Hammer heaped praise on the recently-retired Scottish international and was impressed with his performance in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United last time out.
Cottee labelled Snodgrass the modern-day equivalent to Bonds, specifically pointing out his great attitude that sees him lead by example to the rest of the West Ham squad from midfield.
“Snoddy is a bit of a throwback,” he wrote on the official club website.
“It would be unfair to compare him to someone like the great Billy Bonds, but he is the modern-day equivalent – someone who combines ability with a great attitude, leads by example, is not afraid to put a tackle in and always plays with passion and desire.”
West Ham welcome the Magpies to the London Stadium having not won a game throughout October in all competitions.
OPINION
Snodgrass was phenomenal against Sheffield United, in a performance that came from nowhere really. The Scotsman had been sidelined for many weeks before the game and didn’t look like getting a sniff of first-team action. Manuel Pellegrini brought him back into the side after a nightmare October and he made an immediate impact, scoring the goal in the 1-1 draw. Cottee is right to shower Snodgrass in praise, and he will almost definitely get another chance to impress against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon. The Magpies are struggling, and Snodgrass could be given space to work his magic in the middle of the park – something that could see him take control of the game and take it away from the visitors. West Ham are desperate for a win right now, and it could come down to one piece of superb play, and Snodgrass is more than capable of being the player to provide it at the London Stadium.
