Brad Friedel has cautioned Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal that it will be ‘difficult’ to satisfy both David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.
This summer, Arsenal is expected to make a move for David Raya, the top custodian for Brentford, who Friedel described as “very, very good.”
However, Friedel, who made 450 Premier League games, believes it won’t turn out well because he was in a similar circumstance at Liverpool many, many years ago, as he stated on The Transfer Show on Sky Sports (07/08/23 at 7:45 pm).
The American began to contend with former England shot-stopper David James for the top slot at that time after moving to Liverpool in 1997.
He talked about how James, with whom he now has a wonderful relationship, “didn’t treat me well,” so it didn’t go very well.
Without a doubt, when Arsenal announces the signing of Raya, it will send another message to the rest of the league, but Friedel is dubious.
Raya and Ramsdale are both excellent, so it’s an embarrassment of riches, according to Friedel. “Raya’s scores were really high, and I work for a data analytic organisation that primarily analyses goalkeepers. Actually, they were taller than Ramsdale’s.
“Raya is good, but. Raya is outstanding. One more number one is being added by you. It’s quite challenging. It’s actually not doable. I won’t say “it’s very difficult,” but you can’t satisfy two number one goalkeepers.
When will Raya have his opportunity? ‘Does he overtake me?’ is what you’re asking yourself. Regardless of what the head coach says, you have two excellent keepers. One of them will perpetually be upset.
Ramsdale appears to be keeping the gloves for the time being, but he is aware that nothing can go wrong now.
There are two possible outcomes here: either he is replaced within a short period of time, or he raises his quality of play to the point where Raya is forced to sit out games.
Because of the calibre of keepers Mikel Arteta now has access to, it’s arguably a win-win situation for him in either case.
