West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has heralded defender Pablo Zabaleta as one of the most “intelligent” players he has ever worked with.
The 33-year-old – who arrived from Manchester City last summer – has been a regular feature at right-back in the Hammers’ last four clashes, where they took seven points from a possible 12.
The Chilean could not have kinder words for the veteran full-back, praising his instincts of when he should attack, as well as remarking on how he is can always find a “solution from a problem”.
“Pablo, for me, is one of the most intelligent players that I have managed in my career. He’s a player that always knows how to attack,” Pellegrini said, as quoted by insider Claret and Hugh.
“Maybe he’s not a young player, and cannot play all the games, and maybe he’s not as fast as he was some years ago, but he’s a player that always knows how to make a solution from a problem.
“He’s always talking with the whole squad, so he’s a real leader for this team.”
OPINION
Zabaleta is arguably one of West Ham’s most underrated players, and his ability to work hard for the team is definitely not praised enough. When players like Andriy Yarmolenko or Felipe Anderson are being raved over due to their talent, Zabaleta is the one player that often gets left behind. The Argentine deserves all of the plaudits that he gets, especially from Pellegrini. The boss is right though – Zabaleta is a very intelligent player, and they certainly would not be as steady as they are in defence without his experience and know-how. He was fantastic during his time at Manchester City, so it does not come as a surprise that they won the title with him in the team – and by the looks of things, Pellegrini appreciates having a player like that within the side. Yes, he is 33 – but he is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.