From Nuno Espirito Santo’s comments back in February, it seems clear enough that his own mind is made up on the subject of who deserves the number one jersey at the football club.
Mads Hermansen is currently the man in possession of the shirt after a nervy start which saw him dropped last September. The Dane has worked hard and waited patiently and now – mostly – operates well behind a sold enough West Ham back line.
There’s always the frisson of fear, however, when a cross comes in under the Dane’s crossbar: Those who remember Potters’ disastrous season start with Hermansen between the sticks still hold their breath every time the Hammers concede a corner.His head coach seems to have made up his mind though and four clean sheets in recent weeks is a pretty decent turnaround.
What now, then, for Alphonse Areola? The Former trophy winning first choice ‘keeper who took over from Lucas Fabianski last season is one of the highest paid West Ham players.
With Nuno already planning the goal keeping succession,with bi g things expected of third choice youngster Fin Herrick, it seems unlikely that the Hammers will retain both Hermansen and Areola come the summer window.
Last year of his contract – West Ham will surely try and sell their hugely expensive ‘keeper this summer
Areola at 33 is surely on borrowed time: Nuno spoke about the Frenchman’s ball playing shortcomings back in February and why Hermansen is his preference. Put simply, Areola doesn’t play out from the back:
“Like I said, it’s (keeping clean sheets) not about our goalkeeper and back line, it starts with our striker,” Nuno told West Ham’s website back in February” :
“Mads gives us this option also to play from the back. I think the team is acknowledging and realising that we have an extra man that can help us..”
With Areola on a whopping six million plus a year (apology.com) and approaching the last year of his contract, West Ham will surely look to move him on whilst there’s still a fee to be had: With Herrick the future is in good hands.
Yep.. makes sense … what about Lucas ?? COYI
Hermadsen is a real enigma. I thought AA was a better keeper, he was definitely a better shot stopper. But he has more than earned his place. I still think he is a bit on the short side for a keeper and will struggle with pens or free kicks if placed well enough. But he, with the help of Disasi have transformed our defence. When Alfonse was in goal corners or long throws were always panic stations also his ball distribution is dreadful. Personally I no longer get nervous regarding corners or long throws as I can’t remember when we last conceded directly from one. And feel confident we will get a couple more clean sheets before the end of season.
Areola (name’s still amusing to the inner-child in me) has had some great saves for us this year, but genuinely think he’s a bit overrated.
Like the article points out Hermansen being more comfortable with the ball at his feet but I think he must also just be a better communicator too.
Sure, you can argue that our clean sheets have increased since Disasi signed but even before that, our sole clean sheet this season was with Hermansen between the sticks so there must be an issue with Areola’s communication with the defence.
Hopefully we’ll have Mads first choice with Herrick the cup keeper. Seemed a good character from his FA Cup cameo.