West Ham United have made a managerial change making Julen Lopetegui as their new boss. The London based club will be hoping for a new improved era under new boss. There will be some big and crucial changes before the start of new season. However one position where Hammers have found stability is goalkeeping position. Alphonse Areola had a great first season as a first choice keeper and has recently received praise from his national teammate Kylian Mbappe.
Areola made 31 appearances in Premier League throughout the 2023/24 season. He has been superb between the poles and has left a positive mark on spectators. As a result he has currently called up by Didier Deschamps to represent France. Just before the start of tournament Mbappe took time to talk about his fellow teammate in an interview with Ouest-France.
Kylian Mbappe about Alphonse Areola
Kylian Mbappe has just joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain. His national teammate Alphonse Areola once made a similar move years ago. Areola joined Real Madrid in 2019/20 season from PSG on a loan move. Kylian Mbappe may get good advice on what he can expect at Spain from the west ham keeper. Mbappe spoke some nice words about Areola and praised him for an amazing performance.
Mbappe said that his fellow national teammate is coming after an superb season at West Ham where he has found the stability he was looking for at the club level. Areola had to make many moves and switch to various clubs before now finally establishing himself with Hammers.
Kylian talked about how important Areola is for the national team. He said Areola is one of the oldest and knows national team better than most of us. Mbappe said that the 31 year old keeper is able to adapt every role he has been given. Even though Areola is second choice keeper he likes to give his all on the training ground.
Mbappe further continued to talk about Areola’s personality. Madrid’s new superstar said that Areola is very calm, friendly and is always smiling. Mbappe said that he never causes any problems but don’t mistake this as he is far from weak.
Areola’s breakthrough season
West Ham United signed Alphonse Areola on loan in 2021. A year later in 2022 Hammers paid a price if £8 million to make him their permanant player. However he didn’t receive a proper opportunity in 2022/23 season as Lukasz Fabianski was doing a good job. It was in the recent 2023/24 season when the French keeper got an upper hand. Areola took the opportunity he deserved and was able to put promising performances.
In this season, Areola had a great time in Premier League. The French international managed to start in 31 matches after replacing Fabianski. Areola managed to keep 4 clean sheets. He made an impressive amount of 138 saves along with two crucial penalty saves. The 31 year old keeper was able to achieve 11 punches along with 20 high claims. However he was unfortunate on one ocassion leading to score an own goal. Just like Mbappe said Areola had a superb season and has claimed his place as regular starter at club. It is guaranteed that Areola will definately start next season as well under new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui.
Areola has been called up by Didier Deschamps and is currently training with France national team in Germany for Euros. However we won’t seem him as a starter as AC Milan’s keeper Mike Maignan is hugely admired by Deschamps. France will start their tournament on Monday against Austria. Along with Areola, RC Lens keeper Brice Samba is another backup for Maignan.
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