David Moyes described West Ham skipper Mark Noble as a player who’s ‘got it all’ yesterday during his pre-match press conference, as quoted by Football.London.
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The Scot’s comments on the 33-year-old could not be further from the truth, however.
Noble is a great leader. There is no doubt about that. And he loves West Ham.
But aside from that, the veteran midfielder has very little left in the tank.
David Moyes with Mark Noble (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
The 33-year-old’s legs seem to have gone. His passing is not what is used to be and he has been constantly found wanting in the middle of the park this season.
It is not an exaggeration to suggest that Noble has been nothing more than a passenger for West Ham’s three games since Premier League action resumed.
And in a relegation battle, the Hammers really cannot afford that kind of luxury.
Moyes suggested that Noble has everything, however, when speaking to reporters yesterday, as quoted by Football.London:
David Moyes speaks to Mark Noble (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)
“Reliable, resilient, a leader, all words to describe him, he’s got it all. There are times where we will have to look after him because he is a bit older but the situation we are in at the moment? We need Mark Noble because he knows what it means, it has been there. He can take on jobs that many others can’t, take responsibility when the chips are down and he’s doing everything he can.”
Many West Ham fans have been calling for Noble to be dropped in recent weeks. But judging by Moyes’s comments, the Canning Town born midfielder is almost certain to start against Chelsea tonight.
And with the Blues having one of the most powerful and energetic engine rooms in the league, that could spell real trouble for the Hammers.
West Ham desperately need a win against Chelsea at the London Stadium later on this evening.
But if Noble starts, there could be more misery on the horizon for the Irons.