Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has rather cruelly been named in an XI of the worst World Cup players, compiled by the French newspaper L’Equipe.
The 35-year-old was sent off as Wales lost 2-0 to Iran. It was a game that all but ended any hopes they had of a knockout spot and Hennessey played no further part in the tournament.
What makes it so cruel, however, is that Iran would have been out of sight way before Hennessey had been sent off were it not for his brilliance.
He made several strong saves to keep the opposition at bay and only actually made two appearances at the World Cup.
Hennessey had gone into the tournament established as the country’s number-one goalkeeper.
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He made an astonishing nine saves as Wales qualified for a place at the World Cup by beating Ukraine.
L’Equipe have a reputation for being particularly harsh and it’s hard to believe there wasn’t a worse goalkeeper than Hennessey.
The Welshman only actually conceded once at the tournament, with both goals against Iran being conceded after he’d gone off.
Nonetheless, the sending-off might take some getting over for the Forest goalkeeper and it will be interesting to see how it impacts him.
The experienced player could get the chance to shine for the Reds tonight as Forest player Blackburn in the Carabao Cup.
Hennessey named in World Cup XI
This does seem incredibly harsh. Qatar used two different goalkeepers and both performed worse than Hennessey during the tournament.
There was another Forest connection chosen by L’Equipe. They opted to put Poland defender Matty Cash in their team too.
Again, that seemed like a strange choice given that he played every game as Poland progressed to the last 16 from a tough group.
Hennessey has thick skin though and this shouldn’t knock his confidence too much.
He’s played well in both games that he’s played for Forest in the Carabao Cup and looks like a commanding presence between the posts.
With Dean Henderson ineligible, the Reds will hope he remains in fine form when Forest head to Manchester United next week.