Pundit backs Alphonse Areola to become West Ham United number one this season
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham could have a new number one next season after Alphonse Areola completed his permanent move to the London Stadium, according to Frank McAvennie.
The Hammers completed a move worth up to £11m to bring the Frenchman back after his successful loan spell, where he was selected between the sticks for every cup game on the club’s run to the Europa League semi-final.
But after signing for five years, speculation has swirled about whether he could take Lukasz Fabianski’s number one shirt and McAvennie believes that while the Poland ace deserves the spot for now that could quickly change.
“I think Fabianski has earned the right to be number one,” he told West Ham Zone.
“I think he’s done very well. It’s up to Areola to take his place now. It’s a like for like, because for me either one of them could be number one. So if there’s a dip in form, competition. Fabianski will step up his game now because he’s got a top keeper in there now.
“And no disrespect to the boys at West Ham goalkeeping, there’s four of them, but Areola is a better keeper. So he will come in and push Fabianski and that’s good. It’s good for West Ham.“
Areola kept eight clean sheets in all competitions last season for the Hammers in 18 appearances, and became a fan favourite for his performances in Europe.
Fabianski has signed a new one-year contract with the club and Areola is expected to become the long-term number one, but there is a big battle on for the coming 2022/23 season and whether he can displace the former Arsenal man before he retires.