West Ham vs West Brom: ‘King Craig’ Dawson has silenced critics as Hammers consider permanent transfer

Defensive revelation: Craig Dawson has been a rock at the heart of West Ham’s backline over recent weeks
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Jack Rosser @JackRosser_19 January 2021

From ridiculed to rock solid, Craig Dawson has been a revelation at the back for West Ham and a key part of their good post-Christmas form under David Moyes.

West Ham have not conceded a goal in four games since Dawson came into the team three weeks ago and he has impressed alongside Angelo Ogbonna at the heart of their defence.

The 30-year-old has hardly put a foot wrong. He also scored a late winner in an FA Cup win at Stockport and his role in shutouts against Southampton, Everton and Burnley have helped lift West Ham to within five points of the top four ahead of Tuesday night’s visit of West Brom.

It has been quite an impact for a player who was signed as a cheaper option when the Hammers were priced out of a move for Burnley’s James Tarkowski.

After West Ham eventually gave up on Tarkowski when they had a final offer of around £30million rejected, it is fair to say there were a few eyebrows raised among supporters when they ended the transfer window by signing Dawson on loan from relegated Watford.

Dawson had to wait until December to make his debut but since coming into the team for Fabian Balbuena at Southampton, he has silenced his critics.

"I had to wait a little bit of time to get my chance," said Dawson. "But I finally got in the side and obviously the performances from the squad have been really good, hopefully we can keep that going. I seem to have a good partnership with Ange [Ogbonna], hopefully we can keep that going.

"We've got a great squad here but it is how you perform week in, week out. You can have the best squad in the world but if you don't work together as a team, as a group, it doesn't put you in good stead so the balance is right here. We work hard as a team and the whole squad is ready to help out, just like I did. I had to wait for my chance and there are many other lads who are waiting as well to step in.

"Throughout the squad everyone is pushing for places and that can only help performances. Every day in training everyone is working hard, you can see it. As a squad that is what you want. It keeps everyone on their toes."

Moyes knew he was signing a reliable player when he brought in Dawson, who has already earned the nickname 'King Craig' from some fans.

West Ham are interested in activating the option to make his loan move permanent for around £2m. That is most likely to happen in the summer but, if Dawson’s fine displays continue, it may be brought forward to this month if the Hammers need to free up a loan spot in the squad as they search for a new striker.

Unlike his arrival last summer, the deal is unlikely to be met by negativity from supporters. As Dawson prepares to face his former side West Brom, he does so reborn as Moyes targets a push for Europe in the second half of the season.

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