8 saves, 13 long balls: Arsenal loanee stands out with 8.5/10 Int'l display, could be Gunners' future no.1 - opinion
Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein produced a standout performance despite Estonia’s 5-0 defeat to Italy in their World Cup qualifier yesterday.
Estonia started the game as massive underdogs, and it was anticipated that the Azzurri would clinch a comfortable victory at the Stadio di Bergamo.
However, the hosts could not break the deadlock until Moise Kean scored in the 58th minute. They eventually sealed a comfortable 5-0 victory.
The margin of defeat could have been much bigger for the visitors if Hein was not at the top of his game.
The 23-year-old, who is currently on loan at Werder Bremen from Arsenal, made eight saves inside the box alongside two punches, two high claims and two clearances.
Despite Italy’s constant dominance on the night, Hein had 64 touches and completed 36 passes (out of 49) with an accuracy of 73 per cent.
He delivered 13 successful long balls out of 26 attempted. Basically, the Gunners graduate completed 100 percent of his short passes (23/23), which is very impressive.
Hein ended up with an 8.5 rating from Sofascore despite conceding five times. He pulled off some fantastic saves, but Estonia were unable to stop Italy’s late surge.
It remains to be seen whether Hein has a future with the Gunners. The hierarchy signed Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer to act as an understudy for David Raya in goal.
Hein’s current deal with Arsenal expires in June next year, but the club have the option to extend his stay for another 12 months, according to The Athletic.
It is quite clear that he has immense potential. We believe the Gunners must keep him in their ranks and avoid another Emiliano Martinez-like situation.
Hein possesses the traits to become Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper in the long run, in our view.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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