There has been plenty of focus on Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation in recent weeks, and one of the club’s greatest-ever shot-stoppers in David Seaman has now weighed in.
Popular goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was dropped for summer signing David Raya, but the Spaniard has received criticism after some shaky performances since arriving from Brentford.
Raya has joined on an initial loan which is expected to become permanent for around £27m, but the situation has seen Raya come under intense pressure from the media and Arsenal fans, whilst Ramsdale has admitted his unhappiness at the scrutiny surrounding both players.
David Seaman laments Raya situation
Speaking on The Football Gods Podcast, Seaman claimed that the pressure surrounding the 27-year-old, following his step-up from Brentford, is not allowing Raya to thrive.
“It’s tough at the moment and it’s tough on Aaron,” Seaman stated.
“David’s finding it tough to adapt to playing at a big club because of all the attention that’s on it, and the pressure, and it is another level from what he’s used to at Brentford.”
Arsenal fans have been unfair on Raya
Raya has been treated harshly by the Arsenal fans, both in the stadium and online, and this was particularly noticeable in the Emirates against Manchester City and in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan against Sevilla.
Despite watching Ramsdale eventually adapt to Arteta’s style, which requires composure on the ball to play out from the back, there is an air of nervousness whenever Raya is on the ball, which has stemmed from a few mistakes he has made.
He has already shown what he can provide with his long passing, and he deserves time to prove why he became one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers during his time at Brentford.
Although Ramsdale is also suffering as a result of the situation, there is little to be gained for either keeper by raising the pressure and dropping Raya now.
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