Loads of West Ham fans have been reacting on social media to news that Pablo Zabaleta has been tied down to a one-year contract extension. Many, however, are demanding Manuel Pellegrini drops the £75,000-a-week veteran into a back-up role.
The former Argentina international has earned another year-long stay in east London having triggered an automatic extension clause in his contract, which came into effect upon his 23rd start of the league season.
That came against Leicester towards the end of last month, when the 34-year-old lined-up against Demarai Gray and Ben Chilwell at the London Stadium, and won each of his four tackles.
Given the emergence of Ryan Fredericks in the boss’ plans in 2019, having overcome his ankle injury, fans are keen to see the former Fulham defender given a prolonged chance to stamp his mark on the right-back spot, though.
Some are also hopeful that academy prospect Ben Johnson sees more minutes in the first-team, after making his senior debut at the Etihad in February, only to be shelved back into the youth set-up.
What most concede, however, is that Zabaleta’s wealth of experience from 16-years as a senior professional, and winning two Premier League titles, is invaluable to the dressing room, and will help Fredericks and Johnson become established members of our first-team.
Here’s what some of the masses have been saying on Twitter to the news that Zabaleta’s time as a Hammer has been extended to three seasons…
Seems to be getting slower by the game, a decent backup to Fredericks though
— Hull Hammer (@hullhammer_) May 1, 2019
Worth it for the locker room presence alone
— lucas (@LucasOakeley) May 1, 2019
Fair play. Not sure he’ll be getting much game time with fredericks finding his feet in the team, but still a great influential player to have at the Club.
— Redhead (@Kieren_Redhead) May 1, 2019
Good. Fredericks should be #1 choice at present, but a fine backup and no doubt a great mentor for Johnson.
— legalclaret (@legalclaret) May 1, 2019
Fredricks should be first choice but zaba is a good role model for him
However we will need fredricks to stay fit zaba cannot play game after game— dan_whufc_twit (@dan_whufc_twit) May 1, 2019
As bad a player as I’ve seen at the club. Completely finished. 75k a week. Can’t be asked.
— Dan (@WestHamLad) May 1, 2019
Zabaleta for another season will benefit Fredericks in terms of having good competition and in terms of guidance behind the scenes. Couldn’t ask for a better professional to learn and develop under than Zabaleta. Can’t see featuring much but when he does we know he will give 100%
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) May 1, 2019
Too old, too slow a poor decision
— John Moore (@Johnjam10John) May 1, 2019
Great news tbh, won’t play as much but is valuable cover imo and a good role model for Johnson
— Tony (@Tony88828052) May 1, 2019
Great news. Fredericks will be first choice, so Zab will be a great influence on him and will be great when he’s selected. I’m delighted.
— Richard Hemstedt (@HammerHemel) May 1, 2019