Why West Ham's Mads Hermansen has received mixed reaction after Denmark loss vs Portugal
West Ham United's Mads Hermansen conceded four goals against Portugal on Thursday.
The goalkeeper was given a call-up to Denmark's squad ahead of the international break, but has had to sit out their first two Nations League matches.
The 26-year-old has made a solid start in the Championship for the Hammers, helping him earn his call-up.
Hermansen has kept two clean sheets in the second tier, as the Irons currently sit second in the league at the break.
Denmark boss Brian Riemer gave the shot-stopper a chance against Portugal, but he then conceded more in one game than his country did in their last two matches.
Despite a 4-2 loss, Hermansen has received a mixed reaction from the Danish media, which may ease any West Ham concerns.
Why Mads Hermansen has received mixed reaction after Denmark defeat
Hermansen was given trust by Nuno Espirito Santo at the start of the season, choosing him as his number one ahead of Alphonse Areola.
The former Leicester City keeper knows what it takes to get promoted to the Premier League, having done so with the Foxes in the 2023-24 campaign.
But Nuno will be keen for his shot-stopper to return to Rush Green in good form.
However, conceding four goals is never great news for a goalkeeper.
Tipsbladet gave Hermansen a 3/10 rating, writing: "Four goals conceded never look good, and Hermansen could have filled a few more goals.
"However, also some good actions by the former Brondby keeper, both in terms of saves and other interventions. Close to 2/10, but just sneaks up on a 3/10."
DR handed the West Ham man an improved 4/10 rating and wrote: "It is difficult to blame Hermansen for the two Portuguese goals in the first half, but his brave play with his feet was about to cost even more when he sent the ball directly to a Portuguese [player].
"Had a couple of fine saves, but four goals against is, of course, all in all a bad result."
Overall, it could be a worse verdict considering he conceded four goals, and that his poor distribution could have led to a fifth.
However, there were clearly some individual moments of good and bad from the West Ham man, which may raise a conversation about Areola.
Does Areola have future at West Ham?
Hermansen is rightly the number one shot-stopper at the London Stadium.
But what would happen if he got injured?
Finlay Herrick has featured on Nuno's bench over the past month or so, but would Nuno actually play him if it came down to it?
Though Areola has not been in a matchday squad since before the transfer window slammed shut, he is still registered.
Something has clearly happened with Nuno behind the scenes for him not to be involved in recent weeks.
So long as Hermansen stays fit until the winter, Areola could finally leave E20 after a long stay.
However, if he were to get injured or perform poorly, there's a chance Nuno would be forced to play Areola.