Is Wojciech Szczesny the answer to Arsenals keeper problems?

It’s been well documented that Arsenal need a new goalkeeper, yet despite the obvious need boss Arsene Wenger hadn’t bought one.

Could the reason be that he expected one of young keepers Wojciech Szczesny to step up into the first team?

Schmeichel

The young Pole has shown great promise in his brief appearances for Arsenal and is now being compared with Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel. Even his own boss is comparing the youngster to great Dane.

“Can I see comparisons with Schmeichel? Yes, there is something presence-wise. I was very pleased with his debut,” Wenger said.

“First of all he had personality and presence. His kicking was questionable, but I put that down to nerves.

He did really well in his first big test in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Monday. He denied Anderson with a Schmeichel-like spreading of his body and put in an all around good display.

Future

To go to Old Trafford and put in such a decent performance bodes well for the future. After a nervy start he showed great character to put in such a display, hence the comparisons with Schmeichel.

It seems that the 20 year-old doesn’t lack self belief and wasn’t fazed by making his Premier League debut in such a big game.

Experience

One of the few attributes he is currently lacking is experience but you only get that from playing games. He has made just three appearances for the Gunners, two in the League Cup and one in the Premier League.

He enjoyed a 28 game spell on-loan at Brentford last season though. Bee’s boss Andy Scott was impressed with the youngster saying: “His performances suggest that he would not be out of place in the Championship or even the Premier League. It has reached the stage where when he lets in a goal we wonder why he hasn’t saved it”

Competition

Szczesny competitors for the number one shirt at Arsenal Spaniard Manuel Almunia and compatriot Lukasz Fabianski were previously ahead of him in the pecking order. However neither have been convincing when selected.

And both have made high profile errors which have cost the Gunners valuable points in the past. Wenger in recent seasons has had to rotate in-between the sticks and that’s not an ideal situation for a team who want to challenge for trophies.

International

Szczesny has already impressed enough to earn his first cap for his international side. He is also competing with Arsenal teammate Fabianski for a place in the Polish national side. He could be set for a bright future at both club and international level.

Regular

It remains to be seen if the youngster will keep the number one shirt when Fabianski and Almunia are fully-fit. I don’t see a reason to leave him out of the team but Arsene Wenger may see it differently.

If you’re good enough then it shouldn’t matter how old you are. Just look at the likes of Iker Casillas at Real Madrid, who broke into the Los Blancos first team setup at just 17. He is proof that a young keeper can succeed at a big club and there aren’t many bigger clubs than Real Madrid.

Postponed

Szczesny was likely to continue as number one for Stoke’s visit to the Emirates today. However the game has been postponed due to heavy snowfall. When Arsenal does play again though I suspect that he will continue as Arsenal’s number one and he may well continue for a long time.

Is Wojciech Szczesny the answer to Arsene Wengers goalkeeping problem?