Bent admits he’s surprised by Fabianski’s uprise – but how much

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has admitted Lukasz Fabianski has surprised him at West Ham United after not convincing him at Arsenal.

The Poland international acted as back-up for the majority of his stint at the Emirates Stadium but has flourished into one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers at West Ham.

Speaking to Football Insider, Bent has praised how important he is for the Hammers and how much of a positive effect he has on his team-mates:

Fabianski, it’s massive. When he was at Arsenal I was never convinced but to be fair to him, he’s been brilliant for West Ham. He makes save after save after save. Their back four looks a lot more settled when he’s behind them, they look a lot calmer when he’s there.

Read West Ham’s verdict

There’s no denying Fabianski is crucial to Manuel Pellegrini’s plans at West Ham, and to lose him for two months is a cruel blow.

Fans will be praying that Roberto is up to the task of deputising for him, otherwise, such a promising start to the campaign could be tarnished before Christmas.

Fabianski is now 34 though, so to say how much he’ll be missed really makes you think when steps will be taken to find his replacement.

Nathan Trott has risen through the ranks and is impressing on loan at AFC Wimbledon, but the club may need a ready-made replacement if injuries start to rack up.