David Ospina; the right move by Arsenal
As Arsenal edge closer to officially sealing the capture of Colombian international keeper David Ospina from French club OGC Nice for 3.2million Euro, the move should be heralded as a positive for the club.
Ospina took part in every match for Colombia this summer as they won over so many a neutral spectator with their brilliant displays that saw them bow out in the quarterfinals at the hands of Brazil. Despite the brilliant play of James Rodriguez, Mario Yepes and Juan Cuadrado, Ospina was very much a standout for Los Cafeteros. With Lukasz Fabianski leaving on a free to Swansea City, and Emiliano Viviano returning to parent club Palermo, Arsene Wenger was in the hunt for a quality back up, but in Ospina he has found so much more.
When finalized, Ospina will come to the Gunners not only on the back of a strong World Cup, but an even stronger club campaign with OGC Nice which saw him voted player of the year for the club.
Arsenal seemingly are set at the number one spot for keeper, with Polish international Wojciech Szczesny the current incumbent and coming into his own over the past two seasons to become a very good shot stopper in his own right, but Szczesny was never truly pushed for his spot by either Fabianski or Viviano this past season. He has yet to reach his prime, and while will still continue to increase his level of play, Ospina is of the quality that not only can he push the Pole for the number one spot, but there is a very good chance he could make the spot his own.
When building a squad that has the aim of winning silverware, competition for places is always a good thing to have, especially at such a key position like keeper. Week in and week out in training, as well as in first team appearances, each keeper will have to be at his best if he is to make Wenger’s job that much harder when it comes to who he feels has earned the top spot. Any mistake by either, and Wenger’s job is made that much easier, which is why the move for Ospina (and for very little money for a keeper of his ability) should give Gunners the world over another reason to think positively. Not only does this give Arsenal another capable keeper to call upon in case one or the other picks up an injury, but it affords Wenger the ability to call on a top class keeper regardless of what match Arsenal takes part in. If Szczesny features in a Sunday league fixture but have an away fixture in the Champions League on Tuesday, Ospina could easily come in and be a very good replacement, or vice-versa.
Wojciech Szczesny, the incumbent number one at Arsenal, will have to look over his shoulder at every turn as his status at the club may be under threat by Ospina
On the surface Szczesny will most likely welcome the signing, but surely the Polish shot stopper will be wondering if this is a move by Wenger to acquire added depth, or if it is one intended on finding a potential replacement. Regardless of how the move will be perceived by Szczesny, Ospina will no doubt provide stiff competition, but either way, Arsenal supporters will always be able to look at the team-sheet and know they have a very reliable keeper between the posts.
**For a slightly deeper look into the comparison, here is a statistical breakdown between Szczesny and Ospina via Whoscored.com**