David Moyes has been insistent that Mark Noble does still have a part to play on the pitch for West Ham United.
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Noble is a Hammers legend whose influence goes far beyond what he does on the pitch.
Moyes keen to stress Noble importance on the pitch but the damning statistic is unavoidable
Moyes says Noble’s impact off the pitch has been key to the club’s success this season despite limited game time on it.
But there is no hiding the fact that a vast majority of West Ham fans are far from happy when they see his name in the starting XI.
It hasn’t happened often this season. And the harsh reality of what Noble offers to the team is laid bare in one damning statistic.
West Ham have taken one point from a possible 12 in the four Premier League games Noble has started this season.
The absence of Pablo Fornals and Jesse Lingard against Man United gave Moyes a decision to make.
And he opted for Noble over the likes of Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini.
Opting for skipper over the likes of Benrahma WAS a mistake, Noble role must be limited to seeing games out
It was a mistake because it is clear for all to see – as Jamie Carragher highlighted last week – West Ham simply do not function to their potential with Noble in midfield.
Noble is good on the ball, rarely gives it away and still has a nice range of passing. But he lacks the athleticism, mobility and pace to compete in the modern Premier League.
Moyes is right, though, Noble does still have a role to play.
But that role should – injuries permitting – only ever be as a late second half substitute to help see a game out.
There is no shame in that. It is a logical, sensible use of his capabilities.
Fans should not be debating legend’s place in the team at this stage of his career because they shouldn’t have to
West Ham fans should not be bickering and debating Noble’s inclusion in the side or his merits to the team.
Because they shouldn’t have to. Noble should be there celebrating on the pitch after he has come on to help shore up a lead in the odd game.
He cannot be expected to replace or compete with young, energetic players such as Fornals and Benrahma.
If Moyes puts more trust in Benrahma and only uses Noble in a limited role to see out games, West Ham will be benefit come the end of the season.
Then it is over to Moyes and the owners to identify and sign a new central midfielder in the summer.
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