At last some good news from the Hammers

West Ham United boast a unique advantage between the sticks with the presence of veteran Lukasz Fabianski and rising star Alphonse Areola. While Areola currently holds the starting position, both keepers serve as invaluable mentors for young talent like 19-year-old Jacob Knightbridge.

Knightbridge, who has impressed with the U21s, has recently found himself training alongside the first team. The youngster doesn’t shy away from expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such experienced figures.

“Having two hugely experienced goalkeepers, keepers at the top of their games, we are really lucky to have that,” Knightbridge told WHUFC.com. “It is about looking at how they train – their technique – how they carry themselves in the dressing room too. You can learn a lot from that.”

But what exactly can Knightbridge learn from these seasoned professionals?

Beyond the technical aspects of shot-stopping and positioning, Knightbridge observes Fabianski and Areola’s decision-making, communication, and overall command of the area. These are often intangible skills honed through years of experience, and witnessing them first hand proves invaluable for the young goalkeeper.

It is good to see West Ham‘s commitment to nurturing young talent, exemplified by the Fabianski-Areola-Knightbridge dynamic, as it does foster a culture of mentorship and provides access to experienced professionals,

All very laudable, but will we be able to keep hold of them?