West Ham have enjoyed a fine rejuvenation under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, who splashed over £100m on new acquisitions during the summer transfer window.
While the Hammers initially struggled to find their feet, a significant improvement has been enjoyed during the past few weeks as West Ham now boast four consecutive Premier League victories – which has sent the club surging up the standings.
A lot of praise has been reserved for the attacking players on Pellegrini’s books this season but a key part behind the club’s revival has been the defensive overhaul, with the Chilean boss bringing in the likes of Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena, Ryan Fredericks and Lukasz Fabianski in the summer.
Since signing, Diop and Fabianski have regularly excelled but Colombian defender Balbuena has also caught the eye recently and put in a starring display in the victory against Fulham on Saturday – which earned him plenty of praise on social media.
We have gathered some of the comments from supporters below.
What a find he has been. We salute you, general pic.twitter.com/tYAmrTwmiA
— Claret and Blue Army (@WestHamBlood) December 17, 2018
Rocky Balbuena
— Mark Lighterness (@MrMarkyWHU) December 17, 2018
Absolute steal at 3m
— Matt Cole (@MatthewCole2892) December 17, 2018
I had doubts but he’s actually solid
— Ruben Revolution (@max63025057) December 17, 2018
What A Find!!!
— FPL Stalker (@fplstalker) December 18, 2018
What a find… reminds me of billy bonds… really want him to score to see what I’m sure will become an even more famous salute.
— Jake Collins (@Jaketheteacher) December 17, 2018
Previous article by Josh Challies
‘Back to your best’: Some West Ham fans heap praise on player previously slated