West Ham ace ready to put on the gloves if situation arises
West Ham United top scorer Michail Antonio says he would be happy to play as a goalkeeper for David Moyes’ side if there was no other option.
The Jamaican spoke on the Footballers Football Podcast he hosts along with Newcastle striker Callum Wilson that he has dreamt of playing in goal in the past and that he is the first choice of the outfielders to take the gloves if necessary.
The conversation was inspired as Comoros paid their left-back in goal in the Africa Cup of Nations with COVID-19 ruling out their shot-stoppers.
“I’ve always dreamed to play a game in goal,” Antonio said. “Not a whole game, but maybe at the end of the season, two of our goalkeepers get sent off, I’m definitely third-choice.
“I’ve thrown it out there, I’ve spoken to Xavi (Valero, West Ham goalkeeping coach), if the opportunity arises, it’s going to me, nobody else is allowed to take that.”
Useful versatility
It’s never something you would consider when reviewing any player but it is actually a very handy ability to have.
It would be unlikely that Moyes is taking into consideration the goalkeeping ability of any striker he is trying to sign.
But on the rare occasion that an outfield player has to go in goal, it is important they do so willingly with at least basic ability with the gloves on.
The Hammers boss will probably be glad to hear he has a willing volunteer should the unlikely scenario ever occur but Antonio needs to do a handful of goalkeeping sessions to make sure he is ready whenever he may be needed between the sticks.
No West Ham fan would ever want to see Antonio in goal but if they ever do, they can relax safe in the knowledge that he wants to be there and he will have done his practice in training.
In other West Ham news, this journo has shared a big update on a last-gasp deal at the London Stadium.