Arsenal, which finished second in the English Premier League (EPL) last season, has created a competition for first-choice goalkeeper with the signing of David Lahaya from Brentford. Critics say it could be toxic for the team.
Arsenal announced on its website on Friday that Spain international goalkeeper Laya has joined the club on a season-long loan. The deal includes an option for a full transfer. Laya will wear the number 22 shirt.
Raya joins Arsenal on loan from Brentford after signing a two-year deal with an option to extend for a further year. He was one of the club’s most decorated players in the 2022-2023 season, helping them to a mid-table finish of ninth. Ninth place is Brentford’s best finish in the top flight since 1938 when they finished sixth.
The problem is that Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, was also outstanding last season. Ramsdale kept 14 clean sheets in 38 league appearances last season. That’s two more than Lallana. While it could be argued that Arsenal’s superior defense is to blame, it could also be argued that Lallana is by no means an absolute lock when it comes to reliable buildup at the back.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel told the BBC that “Ramsdale is the best goalkeeper in England because of his buildup,” and pointed out that competition for the number one spot can cause problems for a team. “Goalkeepers are in a position where they have to deal with what’s already happened, and now you’re asking them to prove they’re better than other goalkeepers,” Schmeichel pointed out. He was referring to the possibility of a goalkeeper attempting a preemptive clear or overbuilding, leading to an empty net and a conceded goal. 메이저놀이터
Ramsdale and Raya each played 38 games last season, with similar performances. Ramsdale’s clean sheets were second in the league behind David De Gea (Manchester United). He has conceded 43 goals, two fewer than Raya. His passing accuracy (63.38%) is also higher than Raya’s (60.75%).
In terms of saves, Raya has the edge. Raya made 154 saves last season, the most in the Premier League. His 77% save percentage is also higher than Ramsdale’s (68.61%). According to soccer statistician Opta’s expected goals model, Laya saved about six more goals than the average goalkeeper is expected to concede.
Shay Given, who has watched the goalkeeper at Manchester City and Newcastle in the EPL, told the BBC that it “looks like a problematic signing”. “I wouldn’t be happy if I were Ramsdale. A goalkeeper wants to have psychological support from the manager if he makes a mistake. I don’t think that’s a good thing.”