Is South American expert’s Fabian Balbuena prediction already coming true?

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When West Ham United signed Fabian Balbuena he was unknown to most, except a certain South American football expert.

Balbuena was one of 10 new signings made by Manuel Pellegrini over the summer.

He joined the Hammers from Brazilian side Corinthians in a deal thought to be worth £6.5 million.

It had Hammers fans scrambling for the obligatory YouTube clips.

And many liked what they saw.

A tall, strong centre back who looks a threat at set pieces, what’s not to like?

But self-styled South American football expert Tim Vickery had his doubts.

‘I’m a little bit worried for him’

Vickery, a freelance English football journalist who has lived in Brazil since 1994, is the South American football correspondent for outlets such as BBC Sport, ESPN and talkSPORT.

And speaking on talkSPORT last month he made a prediction about Balbuena which already looks accurate, much to the disappointment of West Ham fans.

“He’s (Balbuena) a no-nonsense, big, physical defender but I’ve come to the decision over the years that centre-back is the hardest position to adjust to coming straight from South American football to the Premier League,” Vickery told talkSPORT.

“Some even better defenders than Balbuena have struggled with it a bit, I’m thinking specifically of (Gabriel) Paletta who came into Liverpool and really didn’t do well at all but ended up in Italy and doing so well that he played for Italy.

“Balbuena has been with Corinthians who are a very, very organised team… I’m a little bit worried for him taken out of that context, I’m a little bit worried that he might be a bit too ponderous in the Premier League.

“He’s not the quickest… he may just get found out a bit.”

Not the only West Ham player struggling to adapt

It would be folly to write Balbuena, or anyone for that matter, off after just two games.

But Vickery’s insight looks worryingly accurate on the defender’s first two showings.

Particularly his display in the 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth last time out.

Balbuena did not cover himself in glory as he allowed Callum Wilson to ghost past him with ease on a number of occasions, including for the Cherries’ rather embarrassing equaliser.

He is not the only West Ham player struggling to adapt.

Hammers fans will be hoping the 26-year-old Paraguayan can adjust quickly.