Fabian Balbuena was West Ham’s unsung hero against Southampton

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West Ham were quite simply brilliant against Southampton yesterday.

Many of the Hammers’ attacking players received the plaudits.

But one man went under the radar, and he was an absolute rock – Fabian Balbuena.

The 10-capped Paraguay international joined West Ham from Corinthians in the summer of 2018 for a fee believed to be worth £6.5 million, according to Sky Sports.

He impressed in his debut campaign in the Premier League but lost his place at the start of this season.

Balbeuna came back into the team in October, however, and has played seven of the Hammers’ last eight games.

And the 6ft 2in centre-back has been very impressive of late.

The South American put in an exceptional display for West Ham away at Southampton yesterday. He has forged a wonderful partnership with Angelo Ogbonna.

In fact, it will now be incredibly hard for Issa Diop to force his way back into the side.

At 28, Balbuena is still yet to reach his prime for a central defender.

The former Corinthians man has proved a lot of people wrong recently.

And yesterday’s display further cemented just how important he is to the West Ham side.

When the Hammers are up against it, it must be reassuring for the players to look back and see ‘The General’ commanding proceedings in defence.

And for just £6.5 million, signing Balbuena must be considered as excellent business for West Ham.