West Ham left back Aaron Cresswell has praised Joe Hart’s contribution to the squad since his arrival on loan from Manchester City in the summer.
The England international was in top form against Crystal Palace last week, and Cresswell believes the 30 year old is having a massive impact on and off the pitch for the Hammers. He told the club’s official website:
“Even before Joe joined here, we’d watched him over the years and he’s not got so many England caps for nothing. He’s been at the highest levels and won some big trophies.”
“It’s a great thing to have him. On Saturday, he showed some unbelievable saves – one of which he didn’t even know anything about it! He’s fantastic for us, he’s great around the place, and a great communicator. As a defender, he’s great to have behind you.”
Before the Palace match, some West Ham fans had been critical of Hart’s form, most notably for failing to keep out Jose Izquierdo’s second goal for Brighton in a poor 3-0 defeat, but a series of excellent saves against the Eagles last Saturday would have certainly silenced any doubters.
With injuries to Jose Fonte, James Collins and Sam Byram, and with Pablo Zabaleta suspended, Hart may well have to be on the top of his game again against Liverpool tomorrow. If manager Slaven Bilic stays with a back five, it could however prove an opportunity for Declan Rice who could line up alongside Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna in the heart of the defence.
