The addition of David Raya to Arsenal’s roster has become a subject of widespread discussion in English football, sparking debates among fans and pundits as they seek to decipher the rationale behind the decision.
Despite Aaron Ramsdale’s impressive performance as one of the premier goalkeepers in England following his move to Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has greenlit the acquisition of Raya, who also boasts a good reputation in the realm of goalkeeping.
This strategic move has left many fans and former players surprised, prompting a variety of reactions and criticism from different quarters.
In the midst of the ongoing discourse, an intriguing question looms: Can a team effectively accommodate two goalkeepers who are both considered number-one calibre? Brad Friedel, a former goalkeeper himself, offers his insights to address this query.
He tells Talk Sport:
“Raya actually in the Premier League was fourth, Ramsdale I think was seventh. Both really good goalkeepers, you know, we’re talking the elite of the elite.
“What stats don’t take into account for it is Ramsdale’s used to playing in front of 60,000 at a bigger club with a lot more pressure. Can Raya deal with that?
“But to answer your first question, can two no.1s exist at one club? No, they can’t. One wants to play.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Our decision has caused a serious debate, but it does not mean it is the wrong thing to do.
Because it has not been done before does not mean we should not try it and we expect the team to be better with two quality goalies.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
It would certainly goes against conventional wisdom that says two bulls cant rule in one pen.
But the deal that resulted in us having two top goalies still amazes me.
Did Edu just suddenly woke up from the holiday Inn and became street wise?
No, you just weren’t paying attention
Raya is one of the best things that can happen to Arsenal this season. Ramsdale my man trips off where he was best in ball distribution. He gifts. Raya should make him more serious. A good goalkeeper getting too much with unwelcome exuberances.
Arsenal is going to be solid this season
At first sight, conventional wisdowm would suggest that two top level keppers would be better than one plus auseful dep in Turner(now left us). But deeper thinking wouls acknowledge that unlike two top outfielderes for each position, keepers vert rarely get injured not fatigued and after ashort while as numbe rtwo a top level kepper wil want to br numbe rone And that is where problems begin.
I see Raya’s buy(loan first) as a risk, at least, and MA will have to work miracles to keep both top level keepers happy.
Unlike some on JA, I have always considered RAMSDALE a true top class keeper and I accept that all keepers make occasional costly errors , just as do all outfielders.
Some of our fans are far too rashly judgemental about RAMSDALE.
I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT VIEW, FRANKLY.
Jon, are you on any of the official lists for season tickets?
Due to personal reasons, I will not be able to get to all of the games this season and can list anyone who has an official s/t number as a friend who can use mine… Interested?
Hi Ken, I am now back, having been away from JA for a few weeks. I am NOT presently on any official list, sad to say – though that could be easily arranged, I WOULD HOPE, and would be keen to use your ticket when you are not able to use it. But seemingly, that is not now allowed, unless I am first listed?
If you care to ring or email we could discuss it further, if you think it has any legs.
I wish you well anyway and miss our old chats and would love to renew them.
Indeed Jon, one has to be a red or silver member and be listed by me as a friend!?!?
Also, they are tightening up on the minimum games a season ticket holder has to attend games.
A minimum of only four missed games and one loses said season ticket.
spel chekker ??
IF Raya signs for us, then we have TRUE competition for the keepers spot.
I believe it’s a great move, as we start the season with (obviously) four different competitions to try and win.
Let’s suggest that Ramsdale plays all the PL games, while Raya is involved in every cup competition…. or visa versa of course.
What’s wrong with that?
Both of them will have AMPLE opportunities to form a relationship with their defenders and learn from each others strengths… a win win situation!!
Let’s not think that goalkeepers won’t get injured either, or that their form never dips.
Great signing if it happens and kuedos to MA for ensuring we have two top notch keepers…. no other club that I’m aware of can say that!!!
Competition in every area of the pitch… Brilliant!!
Two no1s do not work, have never worked, you have to have a one and two. But it may turn out ok. If it doesn’t, someone is going to get upset. Ramsdale is English. Raya is Spanish and also worked at Brentford with our goalkeeper coach. I wonder what Ramsdale is thinking about the situation, where his coach has worked with a goalkeeper at a previous club and has now got to be impartial in his work. Did he have a say in Raya? Certainly a recipe for problems. We will see.
Reggie, see my question to JF above and the same applies to you… if your interested.
Thank you for the kind offer ken, i am not quite an OAP, two years to go, or one, if you count 65. I am not able to take up the offer but thank you kindly.
I think the reported structure of the Raya potential deal suits everybody. It is a loan with a buy option. There is a whole season to evaluate the situation and take an enduring decision next summer.
It suits me perfectly
Here’s the proof!!
RM are expecting Courtios (?) to be out for a long period and are looking at signing the ex manure keeper, David Degha – (again regarding the spelling!!) who is now a free agent.
Where would we go, if Ramsdale has been injured, after selling our own No. 2 to Forest?
I don’t think we’d have sold Turner without having a replacement ready – it could have been a less established gk than raya, though. Another like Turner – looking for an opportunity to raise his profile at a bigger club (unlike raya who is already well established as a starter in the EPL) – or a younger prospect would have been the more typical route. Our approach is less tried and trusted, clearly, but that doesn’t make it wrong
2 keepers, well done MA & Co.
I guess the key word is FORESIGHT. Leave nothing to chance.
How I wish David Raya joined and became part of us permanently. Ramsdale may be good besides occasional deeps in form, but if he’s really that good, then Raya’s presence should make him much better and he should appreciate him. I may like Ramsdale, but Arsenal comes first and I can only be excited to see excellent players preferring my club.
If Raya performs, let him be first.
If Ramsdale’s current coach once worked with Raya and sees virtue in getting Raya over to Arsenal, I respect him for that. He’s a coach and I’m a lover of Arsenal that values those who wish and actively work for Arsenal’s best. If Ramsdale seriously wants to remain as Arsenal No 1, then let him roll his sleeves and prove he’s no match for Raya. No entitlement without proof he’s best of the best.
MA worked with Jesus and Zinc at City and he went on to bring them over to Arsenal when the likes of Tierney were there and he’s been proved right.
Whoever thinks is irreplaceable at Arsenal must prove it …… and I’d be happy to see the managers be left to do what they do best for the club for the good years to start rolling again.
They can, but only for a brief spell – so a one year loan is perfect!
If he does well we can sign him permanently. If he doesn’t we can send him back to Brentford. That’s what’s called awin-win situation