West Ham mid-season player review: Lukasz Fabianski

If a player’s presence was ever missed more than Lukasz Fabianski, West Ham supporters wouldn’t believe you. A season derailing injury pushes the Polish keeper up the importance level halfway through the season.

It is no coincidence that the season derailment of West Ham followed the unlikely freak injury to 2018/19 Hammer of the Year Lukasz Fabianski. We saw all last season how important having a world-class keeper would be to the Hammers pushing on, and his loss certainly disrupted any hopes of a top-six finish this year.

This post isn’t about the season, though. No, this is about reviewing the first half of the season as far as individual performances are concerned, and for Fabianski, it was a season modeled after his MVP campaign a year prior.

The man’s win/loss/draw splits and stats are insane. One loss, on opening day to Manchester City 5-0, three wins including two 2-0 clean sheets, and three draws. The seven-game stint saw the keeper allow just eight goals in seven matches, keep three clean sheets, and steadied his team to one of their best starts in recent history.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United looks on as Sergio Aguero of Manchester City takes a penalty kick during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on August 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

It’s tough to say that this form would have remained for Fabianski should he have not dropped with his hip injury against Bournemouth, but it’s also not a coincidence that his team’s form dropped when Roberto entered the goal.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United applauds the travelling fans at the end of the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United at American Express Community Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

The mental relief that defenders and every outfield player must have when they know they have world-class talent in-goal has never been more evident than at West Ham this season, and that ups his important.

Next. West Ham players give back over the holidays. dark

It’s music to every Hammer’s ears to hear that Fabianski is back training, alongside new #2 keeper David Martin ahead of the official first match of the second half. The confidence boost and actual skill level that Fabianski will bring back to the first team is massive and can help settle his teammates and manager. A+ for Fab early and more of the same in the second half.