Robinson suggests West Ham star could be liability
West Ham United haven’t enjoyed a good season, there’s no doubt about that. Even so, there are some players who have struggled more than others.
One of those who has fared rather worse than some of his teammates is the recently-turned 35-year-old right back Pablo Zabaleta.
In some respects that is understandable given his age, but the recent injury suffered by first choice right back Ryan Fredericks has thrust the Argentine back into the starting picture.
That’s something that former England international Paul Robinson believes could harm the Hammers moving forward.
“It’s difficult when you’re an older player, he’s not had a lot of game time and it’s hard to come in and out when you’re older.
“He came on in the FA Cup, I saw that game at Gillingham, and he looked fine, he looked fit, he looked ready to play but as an older player it’s very difficult to come into a team as a player and be fully match fit, play one match every so often.
“As you get older it gets a lot more difficult and I think that’s something that Zabaleta’s found.”
Is Robinson being too harsh on Zabaleta?
Probably not, no. He’s right that it’s hard for players to come in and perform well when they’re older, and Zabaleta is now one of the oldest outfield players in the Premier League.
He did OK against Gillingham the other week, but he’s not had very many good games this season.
The fact that he’s now going to have to start several games in a row is a worry for the Irons, and certainly not something David Moyes would have wanted.
In other West Ham news, the club have reportedly turned down the chance to sign two Serie A stars.