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West Ham have endured a painful transition period in recent seasons and it finally looks like the Londoners have come out the other side.
Whilst this season wasn’t perfect, a 10th place finish, five points behind 7th, is a terrific return after an appalling start to the campaign. Pellegrini’s arrival was designed to symbolise a new era for the Hammers, one that would include increased spending on players and wages, and ultimately see the club strive to make full use of their new London Stadium.
The Chilean manager has undoubtedly raised the standards at the club, elevating with that a new sense of expectation and hope about the direction the side is moving in, leaving fans rightly buoyed for what’s to come.
With West Ham enjoying a good first year with the ex-Premier League title winner at the helm, did all their players deliver and earn their wages over the last 12 months?
[snack_break title="Goalkeepers"]
Lukasz Fabianski (£3,380,000 p/y)
Arguably West Ham’s player of the season. The Pole arrived in the summer of 2018 from relegated Swansea and has continued to flourish in the Premier League, making some vital saves for the Hammers throughout the year.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Adrian (£2,600,000 p/y)
Adrian’s had to make peace with a role as a second-choice goalkeeper. Over the years he’s shown his quality, and for £50k a week, that’s not a bad a option to have when your number one gets injured.
Earned his wages?: Just about
[snack_break title="Defenders"]
Winston Reid (£3,640,000 p/y)
Reid’s missed the whole season through injury, so in that alone he’s not earned his wages. It’s unfortunate and he’s been a wonderful servant to the club, but he’s made nearly £4m without kicking a ball. Injuries are not his fault, and I’m sure there’s more he does behind the scenes.
Earned his wages?: Definitely not
Aaron Creswell (£2,600,000 p/y)
Always a reliable figure in the West Ham side. He’s a favourite at the club and was even trusted with the captain’s armband against Southampton this season.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Fabián Balbuena (£2,080,000 p/y)
The Paraguayan arrived from Corinthians and has looked very accomplished in the back-four, especially as he’s had to immediately strike a partnership with fellow new arrival Issa Diop.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Pablo Zabaleta (£3,900,000 p/y)
While he may be an ageing right-back, Zabaleta often showed glimpses of his former self, most notably against Manchester United in September. His experience has often been vital for the Hammers.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Angelo Ogbonna (£3,640,000 p/y)
He’s done ok, making 24 league appearances and battling for a starting place with two other new signings. Nothing stellar about his performances and looks levels away from their best defender, Diop.
Earned his wages?: Just about
Issa Diop (£3,484,000 p/y)
He’s had to adapt to the Premier League like any other, but some of the end of season performances were a glimpse into the levels this player could reach. Immense at times and has all the attributes to become one of the best in the league.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Ryan Fredericks (£2,080,000 p/y)
Has had to battle with the experience of Zabaleta, but Fredericks offers a more direct and adventurous option for the right-hand side. Definitely a good option for Pellegrini, especially as they signed him for free.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Arthur Masuaku (£2,080,000)
He’s got tricks and skill but I’m not sure how much substance there is behind all that. Often exposed in games but has come on significantly under both David Moyes and Pellegrini. Another good option at full-back on a modest Premier League wage.
Earned his wages?: Just about
[snack_break title="Midfielders"]
Manuel Lanzini (£3,640,000 p/y)
Boasts undeniable talent but injuries have cost him most of the season, which is a shame because with the right conditions around him he could be a Champions League level player. Unfortunately, though, he’s not been able to contribute over the season at all.
Earned his wages?: Only just
Robert Snodgrass (£2,080,000 p/y)
Regarded by some as a strange signing when he arrived from Hull City two years ago, and his inclusion this season is even more baffling after his Aston Villa loan spell in 2017/18. However, Pellegrini has used him in big games this year and clearly trusts the Scot.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Pedro Obiang (£2,860,000 p/y)
Tends to not be part of Pellegrini’s favourite midfield three but that hasn’t stopped him making 24 appearances in the league this season. He provides good squad depth and a more dynamic midfield option.
Earned his wages?: Just about
Carlos Sanchez (£2,600,000 p/y)
Sanchez arrived in the summer as a bizarre signing. An ageing midfielder who had struggled in previous Premier League campaigns. Unfortunately for him, though, injuries ended his season before it really got started.
Earned his wages?: Definitely not
Mark Noble (£2,600,000 p/y)
Midfielders on quadruple his earnings have struggled to maintain the form and consistency of this man. With Rice in the middle, they’ve struck a phenomenal partnership and it’s such a shame he never had any England recognition during his career.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Samir Nasri (£4,160,000 p/y)
He’s made five Premier League appearances, including a decent debut performance against his old side Arsenal. He’s struggled to get his career back on track and hasn’t added anything to West Ham’s season.
Earned his wages?: Definitely not
Jack Wilshere (£5,200,000 p/y)
At his best he’s wonderful to watch, the only problem is that we’re seeing his best less and less as the years go on. This season he only managed eight appearances, and Unai Emery’s decision to let him go seems ever smarter as the games-missed tally continues to rise.
Earned his wages?: Definitely not
Declan Rice (Undisclosed)
He’s been one of West Ham’s standout performers and the top six will certainly be looking at him. With Pellegrini in charge there’s plenty of maturing yet to achieve with the East Londoners, but he already looks poised to fill an important role for his country. What a massive 12 months he’s just had.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
Felipe Anderson (£4,420,000 p/y)
He’s West Ham’s signing of the season, even though he came with a hefty price tag. The Brazilian started life in the middle of the pitch but since moving to the left he’s looked very dangerous. Possesses genuine quality, class and the end product to go with it.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
[snack_break title="Forwards"]
Marko Arnautovic (£5,200,000 p/y)
In the first half of the season he looked unplayable at times. Then after constant links with a move to China, Arnautovic signed a contract extension to continue his stay with the Hammers. Since the renewal he’s looked miles off his best, and overall it’s been a disappointing season on and off the pitch for the Austrian.
Earned his wages?: Definitely not
Andy Carroll (£4,680,000 p/y)
Once again, a player who undoubtedly has a part to play for any squad in the league, possessing an aerial threat like no other. However, that same old story with injuries has marred his season, restricting the striker to 12 appearances all season – not enough for £90k-a-week.
Earned his wages?: Definitely not
Javier Hernandez (£7,280,000 p/y)
He’s the highest earner at the club, but he’s miles away from being their best player. Seven goals in one season doesn’t earn you this kind of money, however, he’s been a reliable presence when Arnautovic and Carroll have failed to be. That consistency alone earns him some merit.
Earned his wages?: Just about
Andriy Yarmolenko (£5,980,000 p/y)
Yarmolenko slowly began to find real form for the Hammers before injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. Fans will be excited to see him back as his brief spell in the side showed off many of the qualities he has to offer, however, the long injury has kept him from having any real impact for the Hammers.
Earned his wages?: Only just
Lucas Perez (£4,160,000 p/y)
Despite making 26 appearances, Lucas Perez has managed just the four goals. It was another bizarre signing from Pellegrini, and it hasn’t really worked for him at all.
Earned his wages?: Definitely not
Michail Antonio (£3,640,000 p/y)
A great character, well-liked and versatile, but a strange one as no one quite knows what his best position is. He’s not always a regular, but still plays his part every season, chipping in with some very important goals.
Earned his wages?: Definitely has
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