Balbuena explains his adaptation to English football
Fabian Balbuena has been explaining how he has adjusted to life in the Premier League with West Ham following his summer move.
The central defender has been utilised on a regular basis by Manuel Pellegrini since his arrival in the recent transfer window and has caught the eye with some solid displays.
Balbuena, who arrived from Brazilian giants Corinthians in the summer, has developed a formidable partnership with fellow new recruit Issa Diop this season, earning plaudits in the process.
Speaking to the Hammers’ official club website, the Paraguay international explained how he has adapted to the pace of the Premier League, highlighting the competition’s intensity as the biggest difference in comparison to Brazilian football.
The intensity here is bigger, and also it’s possible to play more. In South America, the players fall with minimal contact but here it is different. But for me, the most different aspect is the intensity. There are great players in every position on the pitch so that’s why I think everything is more intense.
I struggled a bit in the first weeks after I moved but I think I have adapted already, working day by day and I feel good about how things are going.
Balbuena appears to be enjoying his new challenge at the London Stadium, with Pellegrini evidently regarding him as an important part of his plans for the future.
West Ham fans will hope that the centre-back can turn in a resolute performance when the team face Leicester City on Saturday evening.