Flynn Downes says £11m West Ham player has been ‘unbelievable’

Fri 7 October 2022 18:15, UK Updated Fri 7 October 2022 20:38, UK

West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes has described Alphonse Areola‘s crucial save against Anderlecht as “unbelievable”.

The 29-year-old is the Hammers’ second-choice stopper, and has been playing regularly in the Europa Conference League.

Areola played the full 90 minutes in the qualifiers against Viborg as well as in all three group games so far.

The £ Frenchman’s efforts have helped West Ham win all three of those games, putting them on the verge of the knockouts.

On Thursday, Areola pulled off a spectacular save to help the Hammers run out 1-0 winners at Anderlecht.

Late on in the game, Fabio Silva connected perfectly with a cross and headed goalwards from point-blank range.

The Hammers stopper reacted quickly to get down and block the effort.

And Downes – who himself delivered a standout performance – loved what he saw from Areola.

“It’s unbelievable from him!” the 23-year-old told the West Ham .

“Every player put in a shift. I think the boys who came on changed the game for us.

“We obviously got the goal and then for Alphonse to keep us in it at the end was unbelievable, so all credit to him.”

West Ham lucky to have a top deputy keeper like Areola – TBR View

Areola has made just one Premier League appearance so far this season, replacing Lukasz Fabianski against Manchester City.

Fabianski wasn’t seriously injured and has since played the full 90 minutes in each of West Ham’s subsequent top-flight games.

Though Areola will have to be content with a spot on the bench in the league for now, he’s certainly proving his quality in the cup games.

Having a good deputy keeper is a must for any club hoping for success, and West Ham have just the man in Areola.