A section of West Ham United fans have taken to Twitter to rave about the display of centre-back Fabian Balbuena in the 1-0 loss to Tottenham on Saturday.
Erik Lamela’s goal in the first half proved to be the difference between the two sides at the London Stadium, which subjected the Hammers to their second consecutive defeat after they lost to Brighton before the international break.
Many Irons’ supporters were delighted with the performance of the 6ft 2in [Transfermarkt] ace, with some comments including “outstanding”, “so underrated” and “had Kane in their back pockets”.
This is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below:
https://twitter.com/ShaunBowtle/status/1053665407205289984
We’ve been the better team in the last 2 games but been undone both times by individual lapses of concentration. Diop and Balbuena were outstanding I thought. Onwards and upwards ?
— tony pearce (@teepee61) October 21, 2018
Thought Diop, Balbuena, Rice and Snodgrass had good games. Diop looks a steal at 22 million. Complete nullifying Kane all game.
— Adam (@Palmerlona14) October 20, 2018
balbuena was strong also both centre backs had kane in there back pockets
— chocco (@djmchocco) October 20, 2018
Balbuena as well. He and Diop look better and better each week.
— Jed ? (@jugheadjed_) October 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/mark_messingham/status/1053952921409347586
Agree he’s been solid too, I just think Diop edges him because of the quality of tackles he’s produced. Like today came in and stole the ball from Kane’s feet at least 3 times, Balbuena does what you expect your defender to do without making it look difficult so less praise
— James (@JameswhufcJones) October 20, 2018
Yesterday's…
+'s Diop immense, Balbuena solid & Diangana looks a player.
-'s Our finishing was poor again. Yarmolenko badly crocked, @F_Andersoon completely lost his belief or confidence after taking 3 iffy corners and Lloris played a blinder.— COYIRONS ??? (@COYIRONS) October 21, 2018
OPINION
It is no wonder that the West Ham fans here have heaped praise on one of their centre-backs. Balbuena, just like Issa Diop, was outstanding against Tottenham, despite the loss. Like one fan said, Balbuena helped keep Harry Kane at bay – not one of the most easiest tasks that you can undertake. Nevertheless, he deserves all of the plaudits that he has received here. He is getting better and better each week as one fan pointed out – so it will be exciting to see how his partnership with Diop progresses over the course of the season. He is definitely not recognised enough for his talents, and he is certainly one of West Ham’s best buys of the summer. The Hammers will not find a better defensive partnership for their team compared to Balbuena and Diop – they were outstanding, and there is no doubt that they will maintain this high level.