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With a lot of discussion taking place on Social Media platforms, it appears a real debate is forming as to who deserves to be our Premier League keeper: Joe Hart or Adrian.
With this article, we’ll look at the pro’s and con’s of both players as well as looking at achievements they’ve made throughout their careers and we’ll have a look at their futures as well.
Adrian:
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After joining West Ham United from Real Betis in June 2015, Adrian has enjoyed 106 appearances across all competitions for the Club. In that time, he’s been a good mentor as well as a idol to many of the West Ham faithful.
His international career is small having only been called up once to the Spain National Football team for their two games against Belgium and Liechtenstein, playing against the latter.
His future with West Ham United remains somewhat of a mystery as he signed 2-year contract with a further option to extend to the end of the 2017-18 - An extension which was activated. With this season possibly being his last, it’ll be interesting to see where his future lies. Many West Ham fans would surely like to see him stick around next season, but with Joe Hart starting in goal for Premier League fixtures, the opportunity for him to impress may only be during the Cup games and training.
Joe Hart:
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While only joining West Ham United on a season long loan from Manchester City, the new kid on the block has had a relatively hot-and-cold start to life back in the Premier League.
After returning to Manchester City from Serie A club Torino at the end of the 2016/17 campaign, Hart was told by manager Pep Guardiola that he was surplus to requirements and could find a club for himself to play for. Cue West Ham to make an appearance and sign the now 30 year old on a season long loan.
His international career is somewhat more glamorous in comparison to Adrian’s as he is the current England number one keeper. 73 appearances in the senior squad as well as a further two pending as England prepare for their next two 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the England ace has lost a bit of form, especially when he was in Italy.
His honours list is something to look at as well. With Manchester City, he won the Premier League during the 2011/12 and 2013/14 seasons, the 2010/2011 FA Cup and the Football League Cup in 2013/14 and 2015/16 campaigns. He’s won the Premier League Golden Glove 4 times, been included in the PFA Team of the Year (Premier League) twice as well as the PFA Team of the Year (Football League Two) with Shrewsbury Town.
In saying all of this, it is concerning to note he’s conceded 13 goals for the Irons, but as many are quick to point out, it could also be the players in front of him. His lack of movement from the line is somewhat concerning, although when he has left his line, the goals have also slipped past him. Perhaps this is merely an adjustment period for the Keeper.
So, who deserves to be our #1 Keeper at West Ham?
This is a very tough question. In one corner, you have a player who has poured blood, sweat and tears into this club, receiving one call up to the international squad, becoming a fan favourite and an all-round decent player for the club. However, his commanding of the box is somewhat questionable.
And in the other corner, you also have a player who has let through 13 goals in the opening 6 games, but has shown he still has what it takes to be a decent keeper for the club - two clean sheets so far. He’s also playing regular international football too, which also helps. He commands his box well, continuing to further develop his skills.
The Kiwi Hammer asked a couple of the Brace The Hammer writers on who they thought should be the #1 Keeper for the Club.
Andrew Jones: Hart still.
Chad Hoy: Mmmmm, Adrian looked good against a League One squad, but I think Hart’s the guy.
Jonathan Lines: I am so torn. The more I watch Hart, the less I like. The man is glued to his goal line and I have a long standing theory with hundreds of goals of evidence about un-dominant goalkeepers being responsible for their bad defences. I think Adrian but then saying it just sounds weird.
Brian Tenerowicz: Hart. Two clean sheets and then one game where the defense let him down
Jackson Schmidtke: Adrian. Hart sucks.
TheKiwiHammer: I’m going to say even though he’s slipped through 13 goals and has made some mistakes for the club, I have to say Joe Hart. He’s a good commander of the box, he knows how to read the game well and he’s generally just an all-round good player.
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