Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has refused to compare the qualities of Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale began this season as the Arsenal No. 1. However, Mikel Arteta cast doubt on his place in the pecking order by naming David Raya in his starting XI against Everton last time out.

Arteta has suggested that he intends to use both of the shot-stoppers this season, and will consider interchanging them on the basis of the unique challenges each opposition will present. The Spanish coach could adopt a system of picking the keeper whose individual profile is most suitable on a game-by-game basis.

This will inevitably lead to direct comparisons being drawn between Ramsdale and Raya. However, Arteta has refused to expand on his own views in this regard.

Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven, Arteta would not discuss the stylistic differences between the 25-year-old England international and the Spanish goalkeeper.

As quoted by the official Arsenal website, he said, “it’s not something I want to get into. I don’t speak about how different Eddie [Nketiah] is to [Gabriel] Martinelli or to Reiss [Nelson]. Every player has a different personality and different characteristics.”

Arteta faces tough balancing act

It will be interesting to see who Arteta selects between the sticks against PSV, given Raya was given the nod to make his Arsenal debut in the Premier League match at Goodison Park. There will also be speculation as to which player should start in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Arsenal signed Raya on loan from Brentford this summer, and will have the chance to make his switch to north London permanent for £27 million. It is expected that they will take up this option.

The Gunners paid £30 million to sign Ramsdale from Sheffield United in 2021 and handed him a new long-term contract in May of this year.

Both players look to have a long-term future at the club, so Arteta must find a way to balance their game time in a manner that will suit everyone involved.

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