After summer exit talk, Angelo Ogbonna deserves credit for West Ham start

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West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna deserves credit for his positive start to the new season, after being linked with a summer exit from the club.

The Italian was apparently the subject of interest from Fenerbahce according to Takvim, who wanted the centre-half on loan. Talks were held but a move did not materialise.

Before that The Daily Mail had reported West Ham were keen to offload Ogbonna, who earns £70,000-a-week at the London Stadium (Spotrac).

The former Torino man ended up staying put with the Hammers – and he does deserve some credit for the way he’s started the new season.

He was slightly suspect against Brighton, but barring that he has been fairly solid.

TBR’s view

Clearly Ogbonna is doing something right, with Manuel Pellegrini continually selecting him to partner Issa Diop at the back.

The 31-year-old has started the last three Premier League games, with Fabian Balbuena losing his place after the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Ogbonna has responded well to almost leaving the club in the summer and should be commended. WhoScored‘s average rating for him is 6.98 so far, which is very respectable given the Hammers generally struggle defensively in the Premier League.

With Balbuena something of a crowd favourite, he could easily have grown frustrated, especially after not featuring against City on the opening day.

It will be important for him to maintain his current level now in order to keep his place in the side.