By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Mads Hermansen’s place in West Ham’s goal has been largely uncontested this season, and Denmark’s decision to include him in their Nations League squad offers him another chance to build confidence. Whether he plays remains to be seen, but I would welcome an international appearance before the Championship resumes.
That is partly because West Ham need more from Hermansen than saves. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, the goalkeeper is an important part of how the team starts attacks. He has to be comfortable coming off his line, give his central defenders a short passing option and help West Ham play through an opposition press.
His long throws can be highly effective, too. When he gets them right, they can turn a defensive moment into an attack before the opposition has settled. It is a demanding role, and one reason I think time with Denmark could benefit both Hermansen and West Ham.
West Ham need Hermansen ready
Denmark have named Hermansen alongside Filip Jørgensen and Andreas Jungdal for their Nations League fixtures. An appearance would be valuable experience for a goalkeeper who has had plenty of responsibility at club level.
Alphonse Areola’s absence has also brought young West Ham supporter and Academy graduate Finn Herrick closer to first-team action than might otherwise have been expected. With Areola yet to feature this season, Hermansen has remained central to Nuno’s plans.
It’s also a role in which mistakes are going to happen. As we’ve already seen this season, Championship teams will press West Ham aggressively, and Hermansen is going to be involved when Nuno’s side attempt to play through it.
Goalkeepers are different
I was pleased Jarrod Bowen missed out on England duty because I think the rest will do him good. I feel differently about Hermansen.
A goalkeeper generally faces a different physical workload from an outfield player, so I would be happy to see him get minutes for Denmark. For Hermansen, another competitive game could actually be more useful than putting his feet up.
He will make mistakes, as goalkeepers do. I still believe he will be absolutely fine for West Ham in the Championship.
For now, the priority is getting the best out of him in a system that asks him to do so much with the ball at his feet.
I agree Areola is a far better keeper on his day but can be prone to some awfull.distribution but with hermansen playing regular in the championship he could become a great keeper in the future he would do well to learn all he can from Areola
I’m afraid I don’t rate Hermansen. For me Areola is a far better keeper. But he does need to improve his distribution.