GETTY
The Argentinian has shown much-needed leadership qualities at the London Stadium since arriving in the summer.
The 32-year-old carries plenty of experience in the team from his Manchester City days.
And as a regular member of the Hammers’ first XI at right-back, Zabaleta is already edging his way to gaining cult-hero status.
His passion, work-rate and professionalism has been acknowledged by supporters in a time when West Ham have largely struggled, especially under Slaven Bilic.
Since David Moyes’ appointment, players have risen to Zabaleta’s level of effort.
The former David Moyes players most likely to reunite with their old boss at West Ham
GETTY
“I have absolutely huge respect for them and I think everyone has to respect that”
Pablo Zabaleta
But he insists skipper Mark Noble and vice-captain Winston Reid are more than qualified to continue leading the side.
“Well to be honest, Mark Noble, Reidy, we’ve got players who have been here for a long time,” Zabaleta exclusively told Starsport.
“I have absolutely huge respect for them and I think everyone has to respect that.
“They are the captains of that team, I’m just trying to give everything I can.
“I came to this club for two years, I hope I can enjoy my time here, and I will try to be a good professional.”
Noble has rediscovered his form in the middle, especially in West Ham’s 1-0 win over Chelsea and 0-0 draw against Arsenal.
Wednesday’s stalemate at the London Stadium with the Gunners demonstrated the team’s improved organisation.
Zabaleta added: “Exactly, we were talking about how we need to improve on that.
“We were conceding so many goals and we needed to improve on our discipline because at the [other] end we have players up front who can score goals but it was important to be good defensively.
GETTY
“And I think in the last three games we did of course in my opinion at times defended too deep.
“We need to be more brave on keeping the ball but of course when you play against teams who have a lot of quality, you need to make sure you don’t give them too much space.”
West Ham came close to pinching three points against Arsenal, with Marko Arnautovic having had a headed effort ruled out for offside while substitute Javier Hernandez smashed the underside of the crossbar late on.
“It was close at the end, from the Chicharito chance,” Zabaleta continued. “It was a shame we couldn’t score in that moment which would have been incredible for us.
“But to be honest a draw was a fair result, a good point, sometimes when you cannot win it is important not to lose and keep a clean sheet.
“Everything is so tight at the bottom of the table so now we need to move forward.
Zabaleta insists he has energy in the tank to deal with West Ham’s hectic Christmas and New Year schedule.
Sam Byram continued absence with injury has put pressure on the defender’s shoulders but he is raring to go for the next battle at Stoke tomorrow (3pm).
Zabaleta said: “Stoke will be another tough game away from home.
“Another team who is struggling recently so hopefully we can put in another good performance and it will be great if we can get three points.”
After Stoke, West Ham face Arsenal again, this time at the Emirates in the quater finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.