Stuart Pearce claims Ben Foster should be in the conversation for PFA award

Names like Virgil van Dijk, Raheem Sterling, Sadio Mane and Eden Hazard have frequented conversations regarding who should be nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award and, regardless of comparative achievements, it’s hard to get a look in if you aren’t at a top-six club.

For Stuart Pearce, though, there is one man who deserves to be in the running even though his side aren’t challenging for the league title or Champions League places. Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate on Monday, the pundit had this to say (quotes from 22:27):

“I would say Van Dijk, Sterling and Hazard have arguably been the best three (in the Premier League).

“I’d also throw in Ben Foster, I think he’s been outstanding for Watford”.

Indeed, the former West Brom man has been nothing short of brilliant for the Hornets and has been a big part of their meteoric rise to becoming one of the best teams outside the top six – if not the best.

Wolves Fan TV place the blame for Wolves’ FA Cup semi-final collapse on John Ruddy in the video below…

The custodian might be well into the twilight of his career at 36-years-old but, like a fine wine, he seems to be getting better and better with age. There is no doubt that the Watford number 26 has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the league this term but throwing him in with the aforementioned stars is bold to say the very least.

The credibility behind Pearce’s claim may stand up if Watford were to conquer Manchester City in the FA Cup final, although the 6 ft 4 shot-stopper has played second fiddle to Heurelho Gomes in that competition.

He has also said he would refuse to replace the Brazilian when Watford meet the Premier League champions at Wembley.

Regardless of whether Pearce has taken his assessment of Foster’s stellar season a tad too far, there is no doubt that the veteran ‘keeper has earned recognition this term and Watford fans will surely love that he is getting some attention from pundits in the mainstream media.