There is little doubting that Lukasz Fabianski was one of the best signings that West Ham United made during last summer’s transfer window, along with Felipe Anderson.
The Polish international arrived at the London Stadium last summer after his former club Swansea City were relegated from the Premier League.
The West Ham goalkeeper was one of the few shining stars for the Swans during the ill-fated season and went on to win the club’s Player of the Season award.
Fabianski has been an ever-present figure for Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers side this season. He has interestingly made the most saves out of any keeper in the top-flight and has cemented the first-choice goalkeeping position as his own.
West Ham managed to sign Fabianski for a fee of just £7 million. At the time, the club was also linked with Jack Butland, whose club Stoke City had just been relegated from the Premier League. Many fans even wanted the club to rather go after the Potters player.
However, not many would argue that they made the wrong choice at this point in time.
Fabianski may be 34-years-old but he is a goalkeeper and could have another few good seasons left in him. It is likely that he will be a key part of the West Ham side ahead of next season and he is exactly the type of player that the club needs if they want to challenge for Europa League football next season.
“Every player can make a mistake but (him) not too many mistakes. I think the way we defend is also better for him, because we always tried to have our box as clear as we can so he has more time to react to a shot from distance,” Pellegrini said according to the Daily Mail.
“But not only about his performance during the games, his performance every day of the week. He deserves every award that he can receive.
“The price that we brought him here, of course it was a very good price. Would I prefer him not to be so busy next season. I certainly hope we are able to concede less goals.
“That is one of the reasons why we didn’t improve (this season) because we conceded too many goals.”
Fabianski is a calm presence between the sticks and as an experienced player, he also brings valuable leadership to the West Ham side.