‘He’ll be involved’ – Moyes talks up recent West Ham substitute

West Ham United skipper Mark Noble still has an important role to play at the club, despite losing his place in the starting XI recently, according to the Irons manager David Moyes.

The Hammers have recently changed their shape to deploy a three-man defence, which has resulted in Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek anchoring the team’s midfield.

This has meant that Noble has not started a game for West Ham since the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

Despite being out of the team in victories over Leicester and Wolves, and last weekend’s dramatic draw against Tottenham, Moyes has talked up the Hammers captain.

“Mark Noble has got a massive part to play here,” the West Ham boss told the club’s official website.

“Tomas and Declan have played ever so well but after lockdown, Mark was arguably probably our best player.

“He’s got plenty more games in him and he’ll be involved in many more games in the future.”

At 33 Noble has been an amazing servant for West Ham but at the moment, Rice and Soucek look like more able and mobile options for the Irons in the heart of the team.

The Hammers are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon with a home game against Manchester City.

It will be interesting to see Moyes’ selection and whether the West Ham skipper Noble is recalled for the clash against Pep Guardiola’s supremely talented team.