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Is international recognition to blame for West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian’s recent poor form?

West Ham United's Adrian looks dejected at the end of the match (Reuters)
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The Spaniard was called up for his country for the first time in August.

There is no doubt that West Ham United’s form this season has been nowhere near the level they achieved last term.

For a while last season it appeared that West Ham might even make the Champions League, before eventually finishing an impressive seventh in the Premier League last term.

West Ham's Adrian celebrates their first goalWest Ham’s Adrian celebrates their first goal

One of the key players for West Ham was goalkeeper Adrian and there is no doubt that the performances of the Spaniard have dipped in comparison this season.

The goalkeeper has put in several below-par performances for the Hammers so far this season, leaving many West Ham fans wondering what has happened to the Adrian who was keeping them in games last term.

Could there be a simple reason for his poor form?

West Ham's Adrian in action before Stoke scored their first goalWest Ham’s Adrian in action before Stoke scored their first goal

In August Adrian received his first call-up for the Spanish national team. For the past two seasons he has been rumoured to be close to selection under Vicente del Bosque and he often commented on his desire to one day receive a call-up to play for his country.

Since he finally achieved this feat his form has dipped dramatically. Achieving a life-long goal such as this could certainly have seen Adrian take his eye off the ball slightly, and see his form dip.

West Ham United's Adrian looks dejected at the end of the matchWest Ham United’s Adrian looks dejected at the end of the match

Now he needs to be careful. Julen Lopetegui did not consider him for the most recent round of fixtures for Spain, and he is now below the likes of Sevilla’s Sergio Rico and Villarreal’s Sergio Asenjo in the pecking order.

If he keeps up this form playing for Spain will be the least of his worries, as West Ham’s second-choice goalkeeper Darren Randolph is waiting in the wings.