. With Raya taking on England goalie Aaron Ramsdale, Arteta hopes to increase competition in his net.
. Peter Schmeichel, a former goalkeeper for Manchester United, questions if stick-to-stick combat is beneficial.
In spite of adding goalkeeper David Raya to his roster, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claims that there are “no number ones” in his group.
The 27-year-old has joined on a season-long loan from Brentford with the option of being made permanent.
With Raya taking on England goalie Aaron Ramsdale, Arteta hopes to increase competition in his net.
The environment must improve for the team to perform better, according to Arteta.
As Arsenal finished second to Manchester City last season, Ramsdale, 25, maintained 14 clean sheets. However, Arteta said he hoped Raya’s arrival and increased rivalry for spots in his side will inspire his players to raise their level of performance.
When you have to be at your best every day, your level rises,” the former Everton and Real Sociedad midfielder explained.
“We have two fantastic goalkeepers, as well as two fantastic left wingers, two fantastic holding midfielders, and two fantastic strikers.” There is no such thing as a number one – not in any position.”
Jurrien Timber needs surgery on his injured ACL, which he suffered in Saturday’s triumph over Nottingham Forest.
“What happened to Jurrien is something that might happen to anyone. If Aaron [Ramsdale] performs his cruciate, we must be ready and proactive. We now have two superb goalkeepers who fit our model well.”
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is skeptical of the value of goalkeeper competition, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: “Ramsdale was fantastic for Arsenal last season; he’s brilliant with his feet and brilliant with the core business of goalkeeping.” He’s the best English keeper there is.”
“The role of goalie is very reactive. You cannot create something on your own; you must wait for events to occur. You’re now asking your goalie to outperform the other one, which means you’ll have to go out and do things, which you don’t want to do.It’s the one position where you want to be consistent. The worst thing is when a goalkeeper attempts something and it fails. It’s the same every time.
