The last 10-15 years have seen Arsenal go through a certain cycle of sorts when it came to goalkeeping personnel. They end up signing a host of mediocre goalkeepers who make more howlers than spectacular saves, and then finally after a gruelsome wait, a gem emerges. It happened with Englishman David Seaman, then it happened with the German, Jens Lehmann.
That cycle seems to be happening once again, as a host of mediocre goalkeepers like Manuel Almunia, Vito Mannone and Lukasz Fabianski have had their say, and now it looks like yet another gem has been unearthed in the form of Wojciech Szczesny. It is still very early to say that he is the next Lehmann, but again, there are highly promising signs which suggest exactly that, report Metro.
It is true that the youngster is still not immune to moments of madness, the most prominent being the howler in the Carling Cup final against Birmingham City. Apart from that, he has also been seen on several occasions showing his ball control skills in rather risky areas of the field when faced by an opposing striker. Many term it as arrogance rather than confidence.
However, it must also be noted that what he lacks in composure and humility, he makes it up in sheer passion. He is perhaps one of the most passionate Arsenal players in the squad. His joyous passionate outbursts in Arsenal’s victory against Barcelona and the victory against Manchester City are very well captured, documented and showcased.
What is also a plus point is that experience is making Szczesny more dominant, alert and direct in his approach to the game. Best example is Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace this past weekend. The Pole was not made to work at all in the game, but was still very much alert to pull out 2 top drawer saves to deny them an equalizer and maintain his clean sheet.
This does not come easily; it is a result of experience which Szczesny is expected to get in abundance this season. Will it take him to the heights reached by his predecessors Seaman and Lehmann, is something only time will tell.