It is no coincidence that, shortly after Casper Ankergren joined Graham Potter’s coaching staff, West Ham United completed the £18 million signing of former Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
Coach and player reunited after two years apart.
It is no secret that Casper Ankergren was pushing for Mads Hermansen’s arrival even when West Ham United were considering a variety of other goalkeeping options. Offers were reportedly lodged for Zion Suzuki and Michael Zetterer, while Hammers News can confirm that West Ham held talks with Aaron Ramsdale’s camp.
Botafogo giant John Victor came close to joining as well, before Hermansen put pen to paper on a five-year deal last weekend.
Much to Casper Ankergren’s delight.
Casper Ankergren explains why he loves West Ham United goalkeeper Mads Hermansen
Speaking to the club’s official website during his first interview as West Ham’s new lead first-team goalkeeping coach, Ankergren shone a spotlight on his relationship with Graham Potter’s new number one.
Ankergren described Mads Hermansen as an ‘amazing’ talent back in 2023.
A stunning triple-save during a Danish league clash between Brondby and Midtjylland sparked glowing praise for a then-22-year-old goalkeeper who would seal a bargain £5 million move to Leicester shortly afterwards.
Ankergren raved about his protege’s speed and athleticism – demonstrated perfectly when he kept out a penalty before denying two attempted rebounds in the space of a few seconds – while also highlighting his growing maturity and an ability to dominate his penalty area.
Two years on, the Hermansen which arrives at Rush Green is even more complete, with an added dash of Premier League nous.
“I worked with Mads for two years before we sold him to Leicester City,” says Ankergren, who is also reunited with his former Brighton boss Potter.
“He is still fairly young, only 25, but he’s got quite a lot of experience already. He’s a Danish international, a very intelligent boy, and he’s good to work with.
“He’s got a good understanding of the game, is very good in position and makes good decisions, which is really, really important as a keeper. It’s all about your decision-making. He’s a very good shot stopper, and he’s a very good professional.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think he’s got something to offer, both as a human being and also as a footballer to this club, so I’m really excited to have him here.”
Hermansen could make his West Ham debut at Sunderland
While his eye-catching distribution is a key reason why West Ham took the plunge, Mads Hermansen does not ignore the fundamentals of goalkeeping.
Only six pulled off more saves than him in the Premier League last season. And Hermansen would have finished a lot higher up the table, too, if he had featured in more than 27 out of 38 matches under Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
He made no fewer than ten saves as Hermansen inspired Leicester’s 3-1 victory over West Ham in December, while also becoming the first goalkeeper to save a Cole Palmer penalty.
“First of all, I love to keep the ball out of the net,” Hermansen says nine months on, painting a self-portrait of a very complete goalkeeper.
“But apart from that, I like to participate in the build-up play. And I think I’m quite good at creating relationships between me and the defenders, so we always have good communication and feel trust in each other.
“So, I would love to come in and give that to the team as well.”
Just one day after Hermansen trained at Rush Green for the first time, Graham Potter indicated that Alphonse Areola would be relegated to the bench ahead of this weekend’s trip to Sunderland.
Interestingly, Hammers News can confirm that West Ham are interested in Sheffield Wednesday’s Pierce Charles too. Another highly-promising young goalkeeper renowned for his excellent passing range.
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