Faubert celebrates becoming a Hammers centurion with man of the match performance

West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert is enjoying a new lease of life with the Hammers this season, and the Frenchman celebrated passing 100 appearances in claret and blue with a man of the match performance against Derby County on Saturday.

The 28-year-old has been a regular for West Ham boss Sam Allardyce in the Championship, whether he has played on the right-hand side of midfield or at right back, and Faubert hailed last weekend’s win as a ‘perfect day’.

“It was a perfect day and a good team performance as well,” he said.

“We weren’t very good in the first half, but the second half was better and it was a great performance from me also.

“I didn’t score, but I tried to give my best for all the game, for my team-mates, for the manager and for the fans as well.”

Having just become a West Ham centurion, Faubert admits that there was a time when he thought that would never happen.

“I think the bad injury when I arrived was really hard for me,” he said.

“It is really hard coming back from a ruptured Achilles. I did a great season with Zola, I don’t want to talk about last season.”

“I need to feel something for the manager, that is the way I am.

“When I feel something I can break my neck for him, I can run and work and do everything for him.

“When the manager gives you the confidence and gives you all the cards to play this game it is more easy.”

Faubert also revealed that he believes hard work is the reason behind his purple patch of form.

“In this league it is all about running and if you run, run, run, sometimes you have the opportunity to score and make a difference,” he said.

“I try to do this every game, so I need to be fit. If I’m not fit, I am not 100 per cent and not up there.

“I have to keep running to keep me fit and make me better on the pitch.”

While Faubert’s form may have astonished some Hammers fans this season, one man who is not surprised is Allardyce.

“He (Faubert) was well deserving of the man of the match for me and long may he keep it up,” said the West Ham boss.

“He’s working so hard that he’s creating himself so many opportunities to receive the ball and cause problems for the opposition – and that’s a real benefit for Julien.

“I appreciate his ability and we had to get to best out of him because it was big money when he came here.

“He hadn’t quite produced but now we’re seeing the benefits of him playing consistently and consistently well – not only in wide positions but also at right back.”

Allardyce went on to reveal the reason behind the change in Faubert’s fortunes on the pitch.

“It’s about the atmosphere that we have and the culture we’re building at the training ground on a daily basis about being comfortable with each other and looking forward to training together,” he said.

“Working hard and enjoying all the benefits together by producing results which builds confidence.

“I think Julien has felt comfortable in the environment for the first time.”

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