Throughout the season West Ham United have had to rely on certain individuals to step up to the plate. The likes of Momo Diame, Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan, James Collins and so on have all delivered at some point in the season. But in terms of having an impact on the results on a regular basis, there is only one player who you can really say has been outstanding – Jussi Jaakelainen – take a bow.
Since we clinched the signing of the experienced Finnish goalkeeper from Bolton Wanderers, on the 13th June 2012 on a one-year deal, with the option of a second year; he has been exceptional. The clause was activated a few months back keeping him tied down till 2014. But does he still have a future at the club or should we seek a new long term target to replace the man between the sticks?
Taking into account his record for us and in the Premier League this season, you can’t fault him in any way or even consider replacing him. Obviously, he will not be able to play forever, but he will certainly play on till at least the age of forty in my opinion.
In recent years there has been a lot of clubs focusing on bringing through youth players, but when introducing goalkeepers they tend to loan them out to lower league clubs, because they require more experience than outfield players when performing in a league such as the Premier League. I’m not saying that the outfield positions don’t require experience to become good players – they do. What I am suggesting is that they have others around them that can support and command them, where as a goalkeeper relies purely on their instincts to respond to a situation.
But when you look at teams in the Premier league, none of them really risk playing a young keeper unless they show tremendous talent or have a talented outfield squad that can aid the pressure away from the keeper. As all teams are aware of the fact experience is key in pushing higher up the league, securing safety or chasing silverware.
At West Ham we don’t have the greatest squad in comparison to the likes of Manchester City or United and the amount of times we rely on Jussi, shows losing or replacing him would be too much of a loss. Although we have Raphael Spiegel and Stephen Henderson both waiting for their chance to claim the number one jersey, I can’t see them taking his position any time soon, as the in-form keeper doesn’t look like giving it up without a fight nor does he look set to retire.
So in terms of answering the question, it’s not a case of ‘should’ but a case of we ‘must’ stick with Jussi as he has been influential this season and it would leave a large hole in the team if he wasn’t tied down for longer, let alone another year.
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Decent season alright, but only really come into his own in the last 2-3 months. Flaps too often for my liking, I think many saves are “lucky” and the ball could land anywhere after his parries. He needs competition for the no.1 jersey in my opinion.
I agree with James. Jussi has been outstanding and I feel sure he’ll be between the sticks next season. Lets get real , there aint many keepers that dont flap or have a weakness, but theyll pull it off when it really matters. Unfortunately , all the great keepers are all taken up by the bigger clubs, so of the rest i’ll take jussi any day. Unless Green comes back, lol.
You lads get to many games? Match of the Day highlights don’t tell much. But all entitled to their opinions and I wasn’t knocking him, it’s been a decent season from him, just not outstanding.
Correct Ashley, Made some great saves (so have most keepers) But i sit in the bobby moore lower to the left of the goal and i have seen him fumble/drop a lot of balls this year. Ive also seen some poor Wall Organisation and positioning! You only have to look at the free kicks scored against us to see this in proof!
Yes hes has done a great job when he has been at the top of his game, as any professional should do in the premier league, But we DO need a new keeper, If he was 4 -5 years younger then fine, But the fact is he is not..
he needs to have contention for the jersey,i think he can do 1 more season but needs to b outstanding, and on his toes.
one more season for me …I think he’s been gr8 4us
ps better then Green……
Just my opinion but seeing him play this year, flaps too much, doesn’t seem to get much behind the ball, doesn’t shout 4 the ball enough and tends to watch the ball sail over his head into the goal. that said he has improved in the last 2 months but if possible would love a new keeper, either green or stockDale. just my opinion.
Juseless jaaskelinen – always on his knees. When players learn to start putting it in the corner of goal were screwed.
The only thing that’s saved him is his spot on positioning. Which we wouldn’t get with a youth player.
I would have loved butland. However, Forster for me now.
But… Knowing BFS it will be a keeper who won’t challenge his mate jussi for no1.
May seem harsh, but were all entitled to opinion.
it is not “were” it is we’re, as in we are.
You’re not an arse, you’re an arshole.
Probably get 2 more seasons out of him… Any negative comments regarding Jussi on here are utterly invalid. Been one of our best players this year, we haven’t missed Green in the slightest.
If we had kept Green we would be going down again.
Maybe a few more of you need to go to a match and watch the full 90 mins! Although Jussi begun the season a tad slow he has more than made up for it as the season has progressed and you have only got to look at the home games against Chelski, West Brom & Manure as examples of how he has saved us between the posts! It is a fact that Carroll’s goals in the lata half of the season have helped us move away from the dreaded relegation battle but it is also Jussi who we have to thank! Remember that before slaughtering the guy! As a season ticket holder i for one would like to see him here for another couple of season’s but with a good solid number 2 learning from him and hopefully becoming an even greater keeper for us!