Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign David Raya despite already having Aaron Ramsdale as the number-one goalkeeper at Arsenal has faced its fair share of criticism. Ramsdale has garnered a strong reputation as one of England’s top goalkeepers, consistently performing well when given the opportunity for the Gunners.
On the other hand, Raya displayed impressive form during his time at Brentford, catching the attention of Arsenal and earning a place in their squad. He has recently justified his selection with solid performances in his last two appearances for the club, potentially cementing his position as the new first-choice goalkeeper.
While some fans and analysts have expressed scepticism about having two first-choice goalkeepers, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has voiced a different perspective, suggesting that it might not be a poor decision. The presence of two high-quality goalkeepers can provide healthy competition and depth to the squad, which can ultimately benefit the team’s performance.
He writes in the Daily Mail:
“I like the fact that David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale are competing for the goalkeeper’s jersey and certainly do not subscribe to this modern view that you ‘make the goalkeepers nervous’ by having them vying for the spot.
“Nervous? Oh diddums! Are you seriously going to tell me next that Ramsdale, who’s missed out in the past two matches, should be heading straight to Arsenal’s HR department? If someone challenges the established goalkeeper, then so much the better.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Raya and Ramsdale are professionals who know they have to be at their best to stay in the team at a top club like Arsenal.
We expect them to keep fighting for the number one shirt at the Emirates and the loser can ask to leave the club if he feels he must.
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Not sure the young Englishman will relishes these recent working conditions.
Perfectly understood, moreso that he’s such a good guy. He’s served us the best he could from the very first. Unfortunately, the very nature of his work is competitive and it’s excellent that he’s conducted himself professionally even under pressure of such competition. He’s taking everything in good stride in my view
Not sure this is sustainable though, the whole idea is against conventional wisdom
The current situation will prove in time Mikel Arteta is trying the best he can to do his job.
I love both our goalkeepers and their professionalism is commendable.
I also like the patience with Harvetz and Nketia and would be happy for consistency in fairly trying to make Arsenal come first before individual egos and other interests..
I agree. Ramsdale himself has said that he doesn’t train well. He needs the action to stay focused. Games with little action tend to bore him. Besides, it seems everyone has forgotten that he made some major errors last season that were avoidable. Competition will probably bring out his best performances
If ESR was to be given as much playing time as Havertz, he would surely add to the goal tally, and add to the flow of the game.
We need to accept we signed a fraud; wide awake we signed a fraud and made him the highest paid player in the team.
Let’s stop the non-debate about our goalkeepers who are both good and are earning their worth.