TBR View: FA Cup display shows Craig Dawson as a West Ham surprise package

Add as preferred source on Google

West Ham United bowed out of the FA Cup against Manchester United in midweek – although the efforts of Craig Dawson were a massive positive of the contest.

The 30-year-old has played in the last eight Premier League games and also started at centre-back for the visit to Old Trafford.

Eyebrows were raised when he was signed as a cheap, stop-gap option from Watford in the summer. After failing to make the squad for seven matches after his arrival, the critics had seemed justified.

After starting against Southampton in December, the experienced enforcer has enjoyed eight consecutive league starts under David Moyes.

That run of games has seen West Ham lose just once – to champions Liverpool – and propel themselves into contention to claim a European place.

Against United, the player who is on loan from Watford was a standout performer and the Who Scored statistics claimed as much.

He blocked three shots, claimed two interceptions and made three tackles throughout the clash with an in-form United.

Dawson does have a pretty impressive CV, despite the Hammers faithful not really wanting him to sign in the first instance.

He has played for West Brom, Bolton, Watford and Rochdale and has 190 Premier League appearances to his name.

The Hammers could have signed someone better but that would have certainly cost them more money – sums which they perhaps don’t have.

After initially struggling to win a shirt, the £40,000-a-week player now looks like one of the first names on the team-sheet.

Despite some supporters wanting a bigger name added in the summer, Dawson is quietly going about his business and proving a surprise package for West Ham.

On current form, he is undroppable and is well on his way to earning a permanent contract at the London Stadium.