When Wojciech Szczesny first broke onto the scene with Arsenal, he managed to win over fans in a fairly quick fashion.
After years of inconsistency with the likes of Lukas Fabianksi and Manuel Almunia, the Arsenal faithful finally seemed to have found a solution to their goalkeeping problem. This seemed to be somebody who could wear the number one jersey at the Emirates for many years to come.
Whilst there’s still a good deal of positivity surrounding the young Pole, I think it’s fair to say that confidence in him waned a little last season.
We’re all fans of his outspoken attitude, the way he commands his area and his general shot-stopping ability. In a few years’ time, I have little doubt that Szczesny will be a genuinely world-class talent.
This doesn’t change the fact, however, that mistakes are still a part of his game. Yes, even top goalkeeping talents like Iker Casillias and Gianluigi Buffon have the occasional pratfall, but Szczesny seemed to trade in them last year. A costly mistake against Tottenham in a 2-1 defeat springs immediately to mind, as does his sending off for Poland during the Euros.
Without wanting to cast aspersions on his potential and his future at the club (which is more or less secure), I can’t help but wonder if he could use a little more competition. It’s not like the likes of Lukas Fabianski and Vito Mannone hold any genuine threat of usurping his position in the team. So who should Arsene Wenger consider bringing in over the next couple of transfer windows?
Mark Lawrenson in his column for The Mirror seems to have found the perfect candidate: “People talk about Pepe Reina at Liverpool. If he were available I would go and buy him now.”
Back in 2010, Arsenal made a bid for Reina that was turned down, much to the Spaniard’s annoyance. His form has dipped since, so Arsenal would likely be able to pick him up for a lower fee than they originally anticipated two seasons ago.
So yes, they would receive a player who’s not quite the man he used to be, but he’s still one of the top three or four keepers in the Premier League. He’ll help steady the Arsenal defence and provide Szczesny with the knowledge that he needs to perform or risk losing his place.
Now that can only be a good thing. I’m with Lawro on this one.
What’s your take? Would Pepe Reina fit in well at the Emirates?
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I can recall quite a few more howlers Pepe was responsible for than those of Szczesny. By the way, his sending off playing for Poland was not a mistake but an act of bravery which in fact paid off nicely. He saved them form losing a vital goal and a point.