Roy Keane expressed his views on goalkeepers during a Sky Sports panel discussion focusing on Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya.
Raya arrived at Arsenal on loan with a purchase option from Premier League competitors Brentford this summer. Mikel Arteta’s reported intention was to have two goalkeepers competing for the number one position at Emirates Stadium, following a similar squad policy in other positions.
So far, Raya has not featured in any games for Arsenal, as Ramsdale has retained his place from last season. Keane’s remarks came in this context.
There have been question marks over whether Arteta made the right call to add more competition for such an exclusive role in the side – but Keane certainly appeared to agree with the call when he gave his thoughts.
Roy Keane goes on goalkeeper rant
Keane exclaimed: “I find it strange with goalkeepers. It seems to be a lot of ex-players, ex-goalkeepers, particularly in the media, saying, ‘It’s not right, you’re undermining the goalkeeper’. You need competition at your club.
“If every player had that mindset, ‘If somebody comes in he’s going to challenge me’, that’s what you want at your club.
“These goalkeepers that are upset about another good goalkeeper coming to your club – what are they talking about?”
“What are they TALKING ABOUT?!”
Roy Keane vs Goalkeepers 🥊 😲 pic.twitter.com/Fv24BZ7zmq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 3, 2023
Keane did once reserve some praise for Ramsdale when looking back athis wonder save for Arsenal against Liverpool in April, however.
On that occasion he did, of course, preface it with his general opinion on goalkeepers – as anyone who has listened to his thoughts on former United shot-stopper David de Gea will know all about.
He began: “I’m very critical of goalkeepers. I’m not a big fan of goalkeepers – I think they get too much praise.
“But the last few minutes, this save, it was great. You see the deflection. Brilliant.”