London Stadium's Famous Argentines

By Daniel McInally

We’re just days away from Premier League football’s return to London Stadium, and our golden summer of athletics is now consigned to the archives. West Ham United’s summer recruitment saw Argentinian international Pablo Zabaleta added to the ranks, along with Marco Arnautovic, Joe Hart and Javier Hernandez.

Now in line to make his home debut for the Hammers on Monday, we’re taking a look back over five of Zabaleta’s countrymen who have trod the turf or run the track here at London Stadium.

 

Manuel Lanzini 

Lanzini has become a talismanic figure for West Ham, scoring crucial goals and making a number of vital assists, coming into his own at London Stadium. West Ham have really felt his absence when he is not in the side. Undoubtedly feeling the impact from a summer injury at the start of the season. West Ham fans will be hoping Lanzini, when fit, can pick up from where he left off last season, and build a successful partnership with new striker Javier Hernandez. 

 

Yanina Andrea Martinez

Argentina were not ranked within the top 10 during the World Para Athletics at London Stadium, however Yanina Andrea Martinez can be proud of her efforts for her country as she finished with two silver medals in the women’s 100m and 200m T36. 

 

Sergio Aguero 

Manchester City overcame West Ham on two occasions at London Stadium last year. Sergio Aguero netted in City's 5-0 victory in the FA Cup, and has been a menace to West Ham united over the years. An outstanding Argentinian who has enjoyed his visits to London Stadium.

 

Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain 

This Argentinian pair have flourished at Juventus over the last year, leading them to a domestic title and to the Champions League final last season. West Ham United’s grand opening at London Stadium was against Juventus, a thrilling encounter which saw the visitors win 3-2. Andy Carroll scored twice in vain as the diminutive Argentine, Dybala, scored, and Simone Zaza, who would later join West Ham and make London Stadium his home, netted the winner. Gonzalo Higuain, who, at the time, became the third most expensive player of all time, came off the bench to make his debut, in front of a packed-out London Stadium crowd.