Ty Bracey exclusive: Aston Villa need a replacement for Robin Olsen
We’re delighted to welcome Villa View host Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Robin Olsen hasn’t been good enough for Aston Villa and club could do with a replacement back up keeper, according to Ty Bracey.
The Swede has only made three appearances for the Villans but has managed to concede 11 goals in that short time, and was arguably at fault for all four of Manchester United’s in the 4-2 Carabao Cup defeat on 10 November.
Bracey doesn’t expect an absolutely top quality candidate to come in since Emi Martinez is the undisputed starter at the club, but would like to see an upgrade on Olsen based on his body of work so far.
He exclusively told Villa News of Olsen: “I don’t think he’s going to be the right back up for us.
“It’s really competitive and Emi’s going to be our number one until the day he leaves I’d assume.
“He’s a real talent, and you can see that. He’s going into the World Cup as Argentina’s number one goalkeeper.
“Yeah I think we need another one in there.
“It all depends on what level they see that as critical. It’s not going to be anybody amazing, it’s going to be a goalkeeper who’s capable of putting in a shift when Emi isn’t there, and that’s ultimately important.
“But I don’t think Olsen has done great in his time with us so far.
“Especially in the cup, he wasn’t great at all.”
Olsen’s single appearance whilst on loan during the second half of last season saw him concede three times in the final 15 minutes as Villa threw away a two-goal lead at Manchester City, in a game that saw them crowned Premier League champions.
Given the quality of Pep Guardiola’s side that can happen so the club saw fit to make his stay permanent in the summer, but conceding four more having only come on in the 35th minute against Newcastle after Martinez’s head injury on 29 October, before his poor showing at Old Trafford, sees a pattern is beginning to emerge.
The number one will play whenever he is available, but currently it feels like the club are taking quite a risk should anything happen to the former Arsenal man, so an extra option could well be on the shopping list in January if there aren’t too many other priorities for new boss Unai Emery.
In other Aston Villa news, three players shined as Villa Women beat Reading 3-1.