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Despite having spent the vast majority of last season on loan with Championship club Aston Villa, Robert Snodgrass has forced his way into the first team at West Ham United this season against all odds, and has proved himself to be a vital member of Manuel Pellegrini’s first-team squad.

His role

The Chilean coach has generally deployed the 31-year-old on the right wing this season, though his versatility has also allowed him to play on the left flank, in the No. 10 role, and even in a deeper midfield berth on occasion.

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Part of Snodgrass’ new-found usefulness to the Hammers is founded in his ability to function as an attacking utility man. 

Whilst the likes of Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic have earned plenty of media praise and garnered much of the attention, Snodgrass has become a vital member of the West Ham team under Pellegrini, which is mightily impressive given his career at the London Stadium appeared all but over when he was shipped off to Villa Park at the start of the previous campaign.

His importance

According to Transfermarkt’s stats, the 26-cap Scotland international has made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Irons this season, scoring four goals and registering seven assists. 24 of those outings have come in the Premier League, of which 17 have been starts, as per WhoScored.

Those numbers prove how central Snodgrass currently is in Pellegrini’s plans. 

The reason for his importance becomes obvious when his creative efficiency is taken into account. As per WhoScored’s stats, Snodgrass has averaged 1.6 key passes, 1.4 successful crosses and 1.1 dribbles per game. 

Whilst he keeps this up, Snodgrass will continue to have a future in Stratford.