Arsenal will go head to head against CSKA Moscow in the quarter final of the Europa League within few days of time. Arsenal are considered to the favorites to go through to the next round from this tie- but their task will not be very much easy against the Russian outfit.
Both the sides have some quality players who can win the match single handedly for their respective side. But in a big match like this, the role of the Goalkeepers are going to be really important.
And talking about goalkeepers for this fixture two of the well known goalkeepers come head to head in Igor Akinfeev and David Ospina.
Today ‘Arsenalcore’ will analyse the weaknesses and strengths of both the Goalkeepers and leave it to you, to decide out who will come at the top on the given day.
DAVID OSPINA:
David Ospina has spent most of his Arsenal career as the second choice Goalkeeper. He joined the Gunners from the Ligue 1 side Nice in 2014-15 seasona and had to compete with Wojciech Szczesny at that time. From the following season, he has to sit on the bench most of times after the arrival of the star Goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea.
The 29 year old Goalkeeper has made 8 appearances for Arsenal in the Europa League this campaign. He was able to keep three clean sheets out of those occasions so far.
His anticipating power and positioning sense is commendable than most of other Goalkeepers. But Ospina lacks to dignify aerial balls. CSKA Moscow attackers will try to beat him with long balls. This going to be a big opportunity for David Ospina to prove himself once again.
IGOR AKINFEEV :
Igor Akinfeev one of the most experienced Goalkeepers in the European Football circuit as of now. He is going to lead the Russian side in the upcoming World Cup hosted by his nation – RUSSIA. Akinfeev has been a promising Goalkeeper for CSKA Moscow from his beginning days.
Akinfeev’s cool headed nature has helped him to emerge as one of the best Russian Goalkeepers of all time. His cat like reflexes and aerial ability are his key strengths. He is really quick out of the line in time of dealing crosses and long balls.
The consistency of Akinfeev is commendable and he has already kept 15 clean sheets so far this season. His goal kicks are known to start attacks for CSKA Moscow. Akinfeev will be leading the side from the back with all his experience. The presence of Akinfeev at the back will surely boost up the side mentally in this big match.
