Many West Ham fans believe that the impact of Craig Dawson has been nothing short of transformative after the 30-year-old put in another immense performance against Sheffield United.

The 3-0 victory over the Blades ensured that, despite the lack of a natural striker in the team, the Hammers’ quest for European football remains strong.

A further three points lifted the Hammers above Liverpool and sees them outside of the Champions League places only due to goal difference against fellow London club Chelsea.

The ambitious mission of playing in Europe next season has been aided in no small part thanks to Dawson’s contributions, with the on-loan Watford defender becoming a mainstay of David Moyes’ plans.

Dawson had initially endured a long spell out of the starting XI after his move, but the winter months proved decisive in offering him a platform to show his true capabilities.

As was noted by a tweet from the official West Ham account, Dawson has formed part of a robust and near-impenetrable defensive unit. In just nine Premier League games, Dawson has kept five clean sheets, been involved in six wins and even has two goals to his name in that time (Transfermarkt).

These West Ham fans flocked to those statistics to pour praise on the veteran, who one supporter called a ‘blue passport Beckenbauer’ in reference to his homegrown status and the legendary German World Cup-winning centre-back.

Should Dawson be signed permanently?

Yes

No