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New deal please: West Ham ace can continue to be crucial under Pellegrini next season – opinion

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Pablo Zabaleta is an important player for West Ham. He’s no longer the player that he once was at Man City, but he’s adapted his game, and he’s played a key role this season – with over 20 Premier League appearances to his name. 

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, though, he’s presently on course to leave the club – and the Hammers can’t allow that to happen.

That’s because, though his role will continue to change, the Argentine can still be a key man for Manuel Pellegrini.

Naturally, as he’s proven this year, he’s still got a lot to give as a player. He’s a good defender, he’s decent going forward, and he’s relatively consistent. He’s not been mistake-free, but on his day, the Argentine still shows flashes of the rampaging defender that was so effective at Man City for many years.

Next season, however, his importance could increase even further. He might not play as often, but his role in the team can be just as crucial, and arguably even more so. He’s got so much experience and he’s a natural leader, and for West Ham, next season could offer him the perfect chance to begin his transition into a coaching role. He’s got all the tools to make it, and he’ll be just as important under Pellegrini for his off the field impact next season as he would be on it.

Zabaleta’s attributes over the last 3 or 4 years have changed, but he’s as important as ever – and he could be even more so at West Ham.

Thoughts?

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