Ben Foster lauds West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski after decisive save v Leeds
Ben Foster has waxed lyrical about West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski following his performance in the 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Wednesday (6 January).
The Hammers shot-stopper made a magnificent save to deny Leeds striker Rodrigo in the dying embers of the game and helped an under-pressure David Moyes walk away from Elland Road with a well-earned point.
West Ham summer signing Alphonse Areola has been touted as the 37-year-old’s natural successor in East London, with some fans calling for Fabianski to be dropped following the club’s dire start to the season.
However, former Manchester United and West Brom goalkeeper Foster was left gushing over the Hammers keeper following his match-defining save at Elland Road.
When Fabianski was facing criticism on his official Youtube channel (6 January, 36min 50sec), Foster quickly jumped to the goalkeeper’s defence, stating: “We love Lukasz Fabianski don’t we? Proper goalie, proper goalie!
“What are you on about? No, he’s not been poor, he’s world-class. He’s world-class.”
Strong form
Despite West Ham’s poor form this term, Fabianski has remained an constant for Moyes and still produces heroics on a regular basis.
His ridiculous save against the Whites certainly spared his managers blushes and could well have saved his job. If the Hammers had travelled back down the M1 with no points in the bag, David Sullivan might have been left with no choice but to cut ties with Moyes.
As it is, the Scot lives to fight another day, and Fabianski could yet have a huge role to play in the coming month, with matches against Wolves and Everton waiting on the horizon.
If West Ham are to get embroiled in a relegation dogfight, they will need experienced and level-headed characters to help get them through the tough times. Fabianski is exactly this, and, despite his lack of quality in possession, he exudes a confidence that Areola just can’t match.