‘Unfortunately’ – Exclusive: McAvennie makes Mark Noble claim during West Ham success
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has agreed with Troy Deeney that West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.
Deeney included the Hammers veteran in his list on talkSPORT, along with the likes of Southampton’s Shane Long.
Noble has only started one Premier League game this season, the opening day defeat to Newcastle at the London Stadium.
McAvennie believes that Noble won’t be getting any starts the London Stadium any time soon, with Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice thriving.
“No, because he is,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone. “He’s not the most talented player in the world but he does a job that nobody else does.
“It’s one of the jobs that teammates won’t notice you. I get what Troy’s saying, but he couldn’t put him in just now because there’s a bit more pace in midfield with Soucek and Rice – there’s energy.
“Unfortunately, Mark’s going to come in and do a job, but at the moment he’s not going to get a game.”
Not many have had the same influence on one club that Noble has had with West Ham over his long stay in east London.
The 33-year-old has been the beating heart of the Irons for many years but his influence is growing shorter by each season.
Noble has only completed 105 minutes of action, with four substitute appearances adding to his one start against Newcastle.
Soucek and Rice have formed a terrific partnership under David Moyes, and McAvennie is spot on to suggest that he will only be used sparingly this season and beyond.
In other West Ham United news, McAvennie reacts to Sky Sports contract update on Moyes