Mark Noble has heaped praise on West Ham United’s ‘main man’ Marko Arnautovic ahead of Friday’s Premier League fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Austrian has netted four goals in six appearances in Claret and Blue this season, further enhancing his reputation after bagging eleven on his way to Hammer of the Year honours last term.
And Noble, who admitted he was not a fan of Arnautovic during his prior spell at Stoke City, says the No7’s central position on and off the pitch has come as a result of the striker’s own hard work and dedication to the cause.
Marko is an integral part of the changing room now, a fantastic person to have around
Mark Noble
“West Ham fans have always loved a maverick player — Billy Bonds, Julian Dicks, Paolo Di Canio — and now, Marko Arnautovic,” the captain wrote in his Evening Standard column.
“Marko, or ‘Arnie’ as we call him, is our talisman and I think everyone can see how much he’s enjoying life here. He is one of those people who can be misunderstood. You need to know him to appreciate his qualities.
“I played against him when he was at Stoke and didn’t like him at all. We had some run-ins and I remember even pulling his hair on one occasion, which sparked a reaction, as you can imagine. “When he came to West Ham, I saw a completely different side to him. He gives you the impression of having a big persona, but underneath he really cares about the way he plays.
“I spoke to him a lot when he first arrived and things weren’t going so well. I said: ‘Don’t worry about it, things will improve’.
“He kept working hard and now I think everyone can see the benefits of that hard graft — and the fact that he feels at home. No one is judging him or his price tag any more.
“He’s an integral part of the changing room now, a fantastic person to have around. He doesn’t stop talking — mostly about himself, if I’m honest — but in a funny way. He’s always involved in the banter but, most importantly, he’s our main man.”
Noble went on to explain how he has already crossed paths – and swords – with Arnautovic more than once this season, with ultimately positive results!
“I like to think I played a small part in his form this season when, against Bournemouth, I made a calculated decision to give him the job of taking a penalty,” the No16 continued.
“That job is usually mine. I remember thinking about it the night before. I wasn’t convinced but, when we were awarded the penalty, I decided to give him the ball because I thought, ‘He’s our main man, we need him to score goals this season’.
“For a striker, there’s no better feeling than scoring and to net that first of the season. Thankfully, he did score — and then pushed me away when I went to celebrate. There’s gratitude for you! The fact he’s scored four goals in six games proved it worked, though.
“Arnie’s a great lad. He’s funny and good to be around — but that comes from confidence. After the Wolves game, as I said in a previous column, I felt a few home truths needed to be told. Arnie and I argued, but sometimes you do things to get a reaction — and I knew he was the sort of person who would react.
“It demonstrated that if I could have a go at him, someone who probably didn’t deserve it, I could dig out anyone. Anyway, he knows I love him to bits!”