A player’s importance to the cause can grow in their absence and that currently seems true of West Ham United forward Pablo Felipe.
While West Ham United fans aren’t fully convinced about Pablo just yet, there has been a notable dip in results since the January signing dropped out of the team.
How badly have we missed Pablo Felipe? 👀
Nuno wants him back ASAP 👇
A graphic showing Nuno's quotes on Pablo Felipe's potetnial injury return date reading: "Hopefull it's soon, because we miss him."
Credit: Getty Images/Rob Newell – CameraSport
Indeed, Pablo has suffered a calf injury and his return date remains unclear, but West Ham United could certainly do with him back as quickly as possible.
Here’s why.
West Ham’s form since Pablo got injured has significantly dropped
The 22-year-old has made five Premier League appearances for West Ham. Their record with him in the side stands at three wins and two defeats, which is a winning percentage of 60%.
West Ham have scored ten goals in that time, while conceding five times.
West Ham United With Pablo Felipe Without Pablo Felipe
Games 5 3
Wins 3 0
Draws 0 2
Losses 0 1
Win percentage 60% 0%
Goals scored 10 2
Goals conceded 5 6
West Ham’s statistics with and without Pablo Felipe since he signed
In the three games he’s missed since making his debut against Nottingham Forest, the story is very different.
West Ham have won none of those games, drawing twice and losing the other. They’ve scored twice in those three games, while conceding six times.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
What is the BEST and the WORST thing you’ve seen from Pablo Felipe so far?
Be honest in the comments 👀
West Ham United v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Why West Ham are missing Pablo Felipe so much
Pablo has helped West Ham improve their pressing, with his energy giving Nuno Espirito Santo’s side a new dimension up front.
Without him, the Irons have been using Valentin Castellanos as a lone striker, and he is unable to do it all on his own. Callum Wilson is another option but there are surely doubts as to whether he can operate at such a physical level for a whole match.
Pablo Felipe playing for West Ham against Burnley.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
As such, Pablo is looking more and more important to the West Ham cause with every missed game and his stock here in east London is rising.
The sooner he returns, the sooner Nuno can restore the system that was working so well for West Ham prior to Pablo’s injury.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox