Are these the FIVE people not getting enough credit at West Ham this season?

Who would have thought that we would be entering the mid-November international break sat in 4th place?

Yes, 4th place, a Champions League spot, five games unbeaten – I have to keep pinching myself to ensure I’m not dreaming. But, alas, I am not dreaming. Sam Allardyce has surprised us all by answering the calls for more attractive football with triumphant success. The likes of Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia, Alex Song and Stewart Downing have been standout performers and have deservedly taken all the plaudits from the press.

But this is a team unit and everyone deserves some recognition for how well we are continuing to do this season. This article examines a few of the unsung heroes of the campaign so far; the ones who may not be grabbing the headlines but who have contributed importantly to the cause and helped us climb up to 4th…

Click on the lads below to reveal

Morgan Amalfitano

I think it’s safe to say that Morgan Amalfitano was not our marquee signing this year but his performances have been largely impressive so far. The creative midfielder has already bagged two goals and has adapted well in our narrow diamond midfield.

At a bargain price of £1m, the 29 year old looks a shrewd piece of business if he can keep up the form he has shown so far this year.

Teddy Sheringham

Our goal-shy strike force of last season has blossomed into a hungry, aggressive whirlwind of attacking menace. Is this merely coincidence?

Maybe, but the appointment of Teddy Sheringham as an attacking coach seems to be the catalyst in this transformation. We have scored 19 goals in 11 games this year – almost half of our tally for the whole of last season. And nine goals in our first 11 games of last year seems like a long time ago now.

James Collins

With James Tomkins out, many West Ham fans worried that our defensive infrastructure would be weakened by the insertion of James Collins.

However, he has stepped up to his critics with some stand-out displays at the back, including a heroic performance to help us beat Manchester City. He has looked a reliable option this year and his efforts must not go unappreciated.

Carl Jenkinson

The loanee from Arsenal struggled to pip Guy Demel to a starting spot earlier in the season but has capitalised on Demel’s absence spectacularly since the Ivorian picked up an injury.

Jenkinson has demonstrated his attacking capabilities with surging bursts down the right flank to support our narrow midfield. He has already chipped in with two assists and is looking progressively more comfortable in defence too.

If we manage to secure a permanent deal for the England under-21 international then we have a very reliable long-term right back.

Aaron Cresswell

Aaron Cresswell has proven his maturity by stepping up a league and still performing at a high level.

Although he has had a couple of blips this year he has looked solid and composed for the majority of his 11 games so far this year. He has also shown that he can join in with the attack and he already has two assists this year.

With age still on his side, Cresswell looks like he could really be part of an exciting long-term project here at West Ham.