West Ham United have had a turbulent campaign so far in the Premier League and are currently just two points off the drop zone in the 17th position in the league table, 30 games into the campaign.
David Moyes may have arrested the initial slump after taking over Slaven Bilic but his side are yet to produce anything impressive and their top-flight status is now in serious danger.
The Hammers play four of the top six sides in the remainder of their league campaign while games against Leicester City and Everton will not be easy either. So Moyes has a tough task to keep the club away from the drop and will need every player in the squad to step up in the business end of the season.
Here are three such players who could be crucial for West Ham’s future in England:
#3 Javier Hernandez
The Mexican international only joined the Hammers at the start of the season and though needs time to adjust, has just not had the kind of an impact his side were hoping for.
He has been used sparsely by David Moyes recently but remains the only natural goal scorer in the side who can lead the line.
He has the experience and is a big match player and could be the forward West Ham need in the coming weeks. He should start as many games as possible.
#2 Joao Mario
A January signing from Inter Milan, Mario is only here on a loan but he has been a regular in the first team since he moved to London and is expected to play a big role for West Ham till the end of the season.
He has the ability to win games on his own and if he can find some form, the Hammers will definitely be in a better position to avoid the drop late in the season.
He adds a different dimension to the West Ham midfield with his drive from the midfield and the team need his dynamism.
#1 Angelo Ogbonna
An ever-present name in the backline for West Ham this season, Ogbonna has been used at the heart of a 3-man backline by Moyes and is the key to the system at the club.
He not only is dominating in the air but is also quick to step up and snuff out danger and when he is in form, West Ham are a stronger side and Moyes needs him at the top of his game for the rest of the campaign.