Alphonse Areola

Areola is a big, athletic presence in goal, quick off his line to cover his near post while still commanding crosses that drop into a crowded box. He has come up with huge, era defining saves at the biggest moments of his career, the sort that swing a knockout tie rather than deny a routine chance. His experience shows in how calm he stays under pressure, rarely rattled by a mistake right in front of him.

The recurring theme of his career is competition for the shirt, since he has rarely held a jersey uncontested for long despite doing well when trusted with it. That pattern raises an obvious question, given the goalkeeping options West Ham have assembled around him. Whether he pushes hard enough to force his way back into regular selection, or settles into a support role, says as much about squad planning as it does about him.