“What did he do to you that you keep benching him for no reason, you’re trying to create division in this squad and it will cause a bigger problem soon”- Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger blasts Mikel Arteta for his stubborn decision to bench his top player in the game against Liverpool last week. Not Trossard, not Nketiah.
Arsene Wenger, an Arsenal legend, has voiced his disapproval of Mikel Arteta’s decision to bench Aaron Ramsdale, expressing skepticism about the efficacy of having two competing goalkeepers. Ramsdale, the English goalkeeper, has been sidelined for the past nine Premier League and Champions League matches, replaced by summer acquisition David Raya, chosen for his superior distribution skills.
Despite Raya’s inclusion, Wenger highlights the Spaniard’s moments of unease in goalkeeping and passing, notably being lobbed by Chelsea’s Mykhaylo Mudryk at Stamford Bridge. Wenger believes Ramsdale will have an opportunity to reclaim his spot in the starting XI but disagrees with Arteta’s departure from having a designated number one goalkeeper.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Wenger expressed his support for Ramsdale, stating, “I personally like Ramsdale,” and emphasizing the goalkeeper’s potential to rejoin the team. When asked if he considers Ramsdale superior to Raya, Wenger hesitates, acknowledging Ramsdale’s crucial saves in previous seasons but noting concerns about his feet and distribution.
In discussing the dilemma of prioritizing distribution or shot-saving, Wenger emphasizes the fundamental objective of keeping balls out of the net. Reflecting on his coaching experience, he relates the constant desire to enhance the squad and the challenge of finding the right balance, drawing parallels with considerations for center-backs with better distribution but potentially weaker defensive capabilities.
Wenger’s insights shed light on the intricate decision-making involved in managing a team, where the quest for improvement must navigate the delicate balance between various player attributes and team dynamics.
