Julen Lopetegui must make a bold call with West Ham United goalkeeper Alphonse Areola if he really wants to succeed in East London.
Alphonse Areola joined West Ham from Paris Saint-Germain originally on loan in the summer of 2021, before his move was made permanent in 2022 for around £8 million.
During the 31-year-old’s first two seasons at the London Stadium, he had to make do with serving as Lukasz Fabianski’s deputy.
However, he was made the club’s number one goalkeeper at the start of the 2023/24 season, and really impressed for us last term.
In 31 Premier League games for West Ham last season, Areola made 138 saves, 11 punches, 20 high claims, four catches, four sweeper clearances and saved two penalties (Premier League’s official website).
However, I really think that Lopetegui may well need to make a hugely bold call when it comes to the former PSG man.
Areola was actually linked with a move away from West Ham during the summer transfer window.
And maybe Lopetegui should have moved him on a few months ago
Lopetegui must upgrade on West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola
First thing’s first, I have to make it clear that I really rate Areola as a shot-stopper.
The Frenchman possesses exceptional reflexes, and he has saved us from heavy defeats on numerous occasions over the past 14 months or so.
However, goalkeepers often look good when they are being peppered with shots. It’s no coincidence that the Hammers allowed more shots on our goal last season that 18 other Premier League clubs.
There are two things that Areola really struggles with in my opinion…
His distribution is appalling, and it’s clear to see that he’s very nervous when he has the ball at his feet.
Also, he is far from commanding when crosses are whipped into our penalty box.
The first one of those two issues is the most concerning, considering the fact that Lopetegui wants to implement a possession-based playing style at the London Stadium.
In order to succeed with that playing style, you need to have a goalkeeper who acts as a so-called ‘outfield player’ – one who’s very comfortable in possession.
Alphonse Areola certainly isn’t one of those goalkeepers, and Lopetegui needs to bring someone who is to West Ham, if he is to oversee some real progress.
It sounds harsh, and I don’t like suggesting it, but the Hammers may well have to move on from Areola either in January, or next summer at the very latest.
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