Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation finally looks to have settled after a frenzy at the start of the season when David Raya replaced Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale is a popular figure at the club and performed well last season, making the decision to bring in Raya from Brentford even more of a surprise.
Raya then started poorly at Arsenal, making several errors which saw him give two goals away against Luton, and there were serious questions directed at Mikel Arteta as to why he created such a situation.
However, Raya has now shown why he is Arsenal’s new number one in recent weeks, with an incredible impact in cross claiming and distribution helping his side both in defence and attack.
Arsenal goalkeeping legend David Seaman has now given his verdict on the current goalkeeping situation, with Raya performing well.
David Seaman praises David Raya after strong Arsenal form
Speaking to presenter James Green at the London Football Awards, Seaman praised Raya for recovering from his poor start to cement his place as Arteta’s first choice.
“It’s great for Arsenal. Two top quality keepers. David had a difficult start, but we’re seeing why he’s been brought to the club now. His distribution is exceptional,” Seaman stated.
With Raya ineligible to face his parent club Brentford in Arsenal’s next home Premier League game, Ramsdale will come in for a rare start, and Seaman has backed the England International to perform to his best level.
“He’s a professional, will push David in training, and no doubt when called upon against Brentford, he will step up once again,” Seaman added.
The differences between David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale
It was initially unclear whether there was a big-enough difference between the quality of the two goalkeepers to justify causing the situation where Ramsdale was suddenly benched after two years as number one.
However, whilst both are of a similar level in terms of pure shot-stopping, Raya is head and shoulders above Ramsdale when it comes to starting fast breaks with his distribution.
Raya’s throwing has directly led to big chances and goals, and this is something which Ramsdale could not provide.
The Spaniard is also the best goalkeeper in the Premier League when it comes to claiming crosses, ranking significantly above Ramsdale.
It is an unfortunate situation for Ramsdale, who is a top goalkeeper in his own right, and barring injury or suspension, there is a good chance that the game against Brentford could be his final one in Arsenal colours, with it likely that he departs in the summer.
