After enduring rather an inauspicious start to life at West Ham, defender Craig Dawson is now flourishing at the heart of the Hammers’ back line.
Speaking to the talkSPORT breakfast show this morning (Wednesday 20 January, 8:30am), Irons first-team coach Stuart Pearce praised the patience shown by the on-loan Watford man after a difficult period initially, saying:
He’s (Dawson) had to be really patient, he’s had to be outside of it whilst others have played well in his position. He got the opportunity to come in and to be fair to him, he’s grabbed it.
He’s such a professional, an incredible kid and a pleasure to work with, a great addition.
Having been made to wait three months for his Premier League debut for the Irons, Dawson has played every minute of the last four matches for David Moyes’ side, only conceding once in that spell as the Hammers have won every time.
The 30-year-old, who also scored the winner in the FA Cup third round victory over Stockport County, has certainly proven his worth after some initial doubts. He has averaged two successful headers and five clearances per game in his current run in the first team, consistently and diligently going about his defensive duties.
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After Dawson failed to make a single appearance in the league for West Ham until their final game of 2020, there were questions asked as to whether he could be sent back to Watford this month.
Now, with turncoats as far as the eye can see, the tide has turned and the only questions which might be asked now are how much it could cost to keep the defender beyond the end of the season.
