‘In terms of value for money’: Pundit now thinks £2m West Ham United man is ‘one of the Premier League greats’

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BBC pundit Steve Sidwell has called West Ham United defender Craig Dawson ‘one of the Premier League greats’ in terms of value for money.

Sidwell was commentating for BBC 5Live (9/10 2:25pm) as the Hammers hosted newly promoting Fulham.

Dawson initially joined West Ham on a one-year loan deal from Watford in 2020.

However, it didn’t take long for Dawson to make his impact, and the 32-year-old joined on a permanent deal two years later.

West Ham only paid £2m for the dependable defender who has made himself a vital asset in David Moyes’ defence.

The former West Brom centre-back was injured at the start of the season, and the Hammers found themselves in the relegation zone.

It’s no coincidence that Dawson returned for West Ham’s first home win of the season against Wolves.

Sidwell: ‘Dawson a Premier League great’

During the BBC 5Live commentary, Sidwell said: “He’s so impressive (Craig) Dawson.

“In terms of value for money, I think he’s up there as one of the Premier League greats because of what he gives to this West Ham team I mean he’s forever present.

“Not only is he sound defensively, I think the defending in his own box in terms of set pieces, but also attacking set pieces as well.

“It just shows his class is there to see.”

Dawson now has a couple of new centre-backs to compete with for minutes at the London Stadium.

Thilo Kehrer joined from PSG this summer, and has been brilliant since coming into the team.

His ability to play as a right-back has allowed Moyes to bring Dawson back into the team without dropping the German.

Nayef Aguerd also arrived at the start of the window and should have been one of West Ham’s marquee signings.

However, a serious pre-season ankle injury has scuppered those plans.

Aguerd was only out of a protective boot a month ago, and is unlikely to be seen for some time.

There are plenty of West Ham fans who will agree with Sidwell that Dawson is a ‘Premier League great’.

They won’t be too worried about Aguerd’s injury while he’s in the team.