Wojciech Szczesny was more or less anonymous during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers. It’s hard to blame him for the goal either. The Gunners were exposed down the flanks, before Szczesny cleared the danger. Unfortunately, the ball landed at the feet of a Blackburn player, who deftly (pff) smacked the ball into the ground, off the post and into the net.
A little unlucky. Maybe Szcz could have done better with the clearance, but it’s hard to criticise him for that.
It’s easier to criticise him for some of the mistakes that were made earlier this season. For saves that he should have made, for clearances that have resulted in easy goals and errors of judgement that have proven costly.
At 22-years-old, Szczesny is still young and has plenty left to learn. But does this learning experience have to happen on such a big stage? Is he really ready to be Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper?
I think Szczesny tends to get a pass because he’s a genuine character, who says the right things and has enough promise to tide fans over.
Isn’t it a little strange, however, that Manchester United’s gifted goalie, David De Gea is so heavily criticised whilst, Szczesny doesn’t seem to be subject to the same level of scrutiny? If David De Gea isn’t good enough for Manchester United are we really expected to believe that Szczesny is good enough for Arsenal?
To clarify, I think Szczesny has a big future with Arsenal and will be their number one for many years to come. But doesn’t he have to earn that right? I’m just not sure he’s ready just yet.
This brings me to the Daily Mail‘s claims that Arsenal are preparing a big for Barcelona’s experienced keeper, Victor Valdes. He’s been at Barcelona for almost 23-years now and is believed to be keen to ‘experience a different culture’.
Whilst Arsenal don’t exactly offer a style of football that is a world away from Barcelona’s, London is certainly a different kettle of fish from Barcelona. So, could Valdes be the ideal keeper for Arsenal to pursue this summer?
After all, at 31-years-old, he’s old enough that he won’t be around for ever, but young enough that he’ll be able to do a job for 3-4 more seasons. This would allow Szczesny plenty of time to grow, adapt and improve.
Valdes is believed to have a £10m price-tag and a £120k-a-week salary. Is Arsenal can get him to accept a pay-cut, he’d be an excellent addition to the team.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal continue to pursue this Barcelona star?
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Valdez !!! Hell no,there is a wealth of talented goalkeepers in germany,leno,faumann,stegen,adler or even rui patricio,valdez doesn’t get tested enough at barcelona so people will think he is a solid keeper
+1
I can’t believe that the we are even considering dropping Szczesny, if even for a couple of years. I go to the arsenal every week and I tell you this, I don’t recognise the same Szczesny that ppl are saying is making these mistakes. He’s been gd, better than good and for sure will become a top class player in the future. Some competition may help for sure, but to all it replace him is totally uncalled for