In recent weeks, West Ham United goalkeeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen has become increasingly more dodgy. He started the season well, but the more I watch him, the more worried I get. His latest gaffs being in the Villa game.
He nearly cost us a goal in the first couple of minutes when he spilt a shot which looked relatively simple to keep hold of. It was only a glaring miss by Weimann that kept the scores 0-0. I also believe he should have done better with the free kick, his positioning was poor and although the free kick had power, it was at a good height for a goalkeeper to be able to make a save.
So in the summer, a goalkeeper is one of the key areas we need to improve in, but who would you want to see – realistically….. Here are some options, who I think are players we could attract.
John Ruddy (Norwich City) – relatively young for a keeper, and under Norwich, has managed to break into the full England squad. He is a good, solid player, who I think we could tempt away from Norwich, and wouldn’t have to pay over the odds either.
Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan Athletic) – another player who doesn’t really get any recognition. Al-Habsi is a commanding, athletic goalkeeper, very similar to David James but better at crosses! Wigan may potentially go down, but even if they don’t, we are a bigger club than them, and the temptation of London, and bigger wages would easily attract him.
Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers) – not really one for the future, but he is a good keeper still. He would be available for nothing, and is miles better than JJ. I expect to see Robbo arrive in the summer as JJ’s replacement.
Julio Cesar (QPR) – should QPR get relegated, there is no doubt that Cesar will leave the club. Brazilian international, we saw first hand at Upton Park, just how good this man is between the sticks. Staying in London might be a lure, and with Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs all having number 1’s already, would mean West Ham being in a good position to sign him.
Lukasz Fabianski (Arsenal) – third choice at Arsenal behind Szecsney and Mannone, Fabianski could be a good signing for any team outside the top 6. Still youngish, and would be available for a small fee, should we look to bring the Polish Number 2 to Upton Park?
These are just some options I think we should look at, who would you want to see, who is also a realistic target?