Transfer Story
As per latest reports, West Ham United are close to signing Pablo Zabaleta who would be leaving the Etihad this summer. The affable and flamboyant Right Back has decided to test new waters after closing the curtains on his illuminating 9-year-old association with the Club.
Zabaleta had ruled the right back position for Man City for close to a decade. With his pace, power and stamina he has been one of the best-attacking full-backs the Premier League has had over the last decade. Although 32, he is nowhere near decline and proved that in his last home match against West Bromwich Albion.
Let us have a look at the stats of the Argentine
Pablo Zabaleta – Player Stats
Although having been replaced by Fernandinho quite a number of times this season, the Argentine displayed quality in all the games that were afforded to him by Pep.
- The Right Back made only 11 first team starts in his 20 appearances for the Club getting only a meagre 1060 mins on the pitch. Still, he has managed to contribute 1 goal and an assist for the club.
- In his 20 appearances, the Argentine has made a remarkable total of 24 interceptions. This shows that he still has the vision and experience to anticipate and dissipate opponent’s attacks early on.
- Zabaleta made 11 key passes for the team which only goes to show that even though a defender, he has the creativity and edge to develop chances inside the final third.
- He also has a passing accuracy of 83% as a fullback, which is absolutely outstanding and should be appreciated.(Source via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer to the Club?
The stats above are results enough to prove the quality and attitude the player brings on to the pitch. Bilic has had a torrid time with defenders this season which saw him concede an astonishing 63 goals.
It is safe to say Zabaleta would not only add some experience in the back, he would also bring some stability which has been of late invisible within the Hammers.
It is safe to say he would be a star addition to West Ham if the deal goes through.
Worth the money?
Being a free agent and virtually having to pay zero transfer fee for the player, if West Ham manages to sign Zabaleta it would be a total bonanza for the manager and the club.
The Hammers would no doubt enjoy the ex-Man City veteran running up and down the flanks tormenting the opposition. It is a transfer that all West Ham fans would be eagerly waiting to happen. Bilic should go all out in order to secure the signature of the Argentine.
