West Ham’s FIVE unsung heroes so far this season?

Despite the undeserved pressure manager Sam Allardyce is under, West Ham have had a pretty good season thus far.

After the disappointment of last season’s 13th place finish, and battling the dreaded drop zone for the majority of it, things had to change this term, and there has been noticeable improvement.

The new additions to the squad have all made a significant impact in some way, and are sure to carry on that impact in order to cement a place in Europe next season.

The likes of Diafra Sakho, Stewart Downing and Alex Song have rather stolen the limelight with their goals and incredible performances.

However, like many other players such as Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Cresswell and Cheikhou Kouyate, who have performed as good as Sakho and Song, and are not getting enough credit for what they have done, mainly from a neutral fan perspective.

So, here are FIVE Hammers players that have made a difference this season and gone under the radar…

Click on Big Sam to reveal

Adrian

Since he arrived in 2013, Adrian was still playing second fiddle to the ever present Jussi Jaaskelainen. Now, the former Real Betis shot stopper has firmly cemented his place as West Ham’s number one.

The 28-year-old Spaniard is hot with the Hammers faithful, and for good reason. Despite the likes of David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois performing heroics for Manchester and Chelsea respectively, Adrian made 142 saves in 2014, more than any other goalkeeper.

Even Spain coach Vincente Del Bosque praised the performances from Adrian. But despite less clean sheets than last season, Adrian has been responsible for most of the victories for the might Hammers this season.

Mark Noble

The Canning Town born player has been occupying the centre of the West Ham midfield for the past decade, and what a great player he has been.

Making his full debut in 2005, Noble has gone onto make a further 267 appearances for the club and is the record appearance holder in top flight games.

His passion, commitment and dedication to club begs the question of why Noble is not the captain of the side. Once more, Noble is adored by the fans, and when he applauds all for corners of the ground before kick-off on a match day, everyone stands and applauds back.

This fantastic servant to the club is something that the whole of West Ham wants to see more off, seeing the next Mark Noble break through the ranks.

James Tomkins

Like Noble, Tomkins has dedicated his life to the East Londoners, and most recently signed a new five-year contract at Upton Park.

This just proves that, despite him being linked with a move to Newcastle United in every transfer window, Tomkins is looking forward to walking out in the Olympic Stadium. He may well want to tell Winston Reid about that too!

The Basildon born centre-half has notched an impressive 178 appearances, and there will be many more to come

James Collins

There is no question about it, Tomkins’ defensive partner James Collins has been West Ham’s best defender so far this season.

Despite making the odd mistake, ‘Ginge’ gives 110% everytime he pulls on the claret and blue shirt. His determination to win every tackle and every header is infectious and gives every on the pitch and in the stands that huge lift when the Hammers are pegged back.

That is something extremely underrated in football, and the man who has made 123 appearances in two spells for the Boleyn Ground side is extremely valuable to the squad based on his experience and passion.

Enner Valencia

The £12m signing from Pachuca has come under some criticism of late for his lack of goals. However, his work rate and pace is something West Ham have lacked since the days of when Craig Bellamy was at the club.

In spite of the lack of goals, the three league goals he has notched this season have been top quality finishes. The 25-yard screamer away at Hull City and the fantastic headers he scored in the 3-1 away win at Burnley and 2-2 draw away at Stoke City. The finish he produced in the FA Cup replay against Everton at Upton Park wasn’t too shabby, either.

There is a reason why Premier League leaders Chelsea are sniffing around for his signature, because he is a top forward who is very capable of the demands the Premier league brings.