Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has recently stated that he has nothing to prove at the Emirates.
The Guardian has quoted Almunia as insisting “I don’t need to convince anybody – I just do my job. I have a couple more years on my contract and that’s it, I’m an Arsenal player.”
Despite the Spanish ‘keeper’s confident, perhaps even nonchalant words many Arsenal fans would beg to differ from his opinion. Manuel Almunia has never convinced as Arsenal’s number one, and his words would be a whole lot more understandable had he done so during his career at Arsenal. It is precisely because Almunia has not convinced that Arsene Wenger is seeking another goalkeeper in the transfer window, with his primary target seemingly being that of Fulham’s veteran ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer. Although a deal has yet to be done, the signing of a goalkeeper, even if it is not Schwarzer seems to be highly likely this summer. If another ‘keeper is brought in either as an automatic first choice or to challenge for the number one jersey with Almunia, the Spaniard will need to do the opposite of what he has said in order to have a future at Arsenal.
The simple fact is that Manuel Almunia has never been a convincing goalkeeper for a club challenging for the very top honours. He is by no means a bad ‘keeper, but he seems to lack that extra quality that teams need in order to win the league. Having a top-class goalkeeper is crucial for any team with title aspirations. Arsenal’s last title winning custodian was Jens Lehmann, a player who despite being a rather eccentric individual was also capable of the brilliance required to win the games and salvage the draws that help win the league. No-one can argue that Manuel Almunia has not been given a fair chance at Arsenal, he has had ample opportunity to cement his position as first choice and convince the Gunners faithful that he has the ability to help drive the team to glory. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he has never been able to achieve this. The problem for Arsenal in recent seasons is that neither has anyone else, Almunia’s main understudy Lukasz Fabianski has not impressed whilst Vito Mannone is still very young and inexperienced. Many Arsenal fans were calling for a new goalkeeper at the start of last season, if a new one is not signed this term and Arsenal go another season empty handed, then the discontent brought at Arsene Wenger’s feet will increase greatly.
It does seem likely however, that a new goalkeeper will be brought in this summer. If this is the case and Almunia remains at the club, it can only be of help to Arsenal. Manuel Almunia has not yet had a credible rival for the number one position in goal, however if a new ‘keeper is signed he and his rival will have to up their game in order to be the first name on the team sheet. Having two experienced goalkeepers vying for one position is a manager’s dream, and Almunia may yet step up to another level if his position in goal is seriously threatened. If a new goalkeeper is brought in this close season, Arsenal may not only have the top-class ‘keeper they have lacked but also created the competition that is crucial in ensuring players are fully committed and go out in every game desperate to impress.
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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery