Cech will remain No 1, says Seaman

LONDON: Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech’s vast experience will help him remain the club’s first choice despite the arrival of Germany’s Bernd Leno, former goalkeeper David Seaman has said.

Leno, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen, is seen as a longterm replacement for Cech. Seaman believes the 36-year-old keeper still has the qualities and experience to keep Leno out of the playing XI.

“He (Cech) has still got great qualities and it isn’t like he has had a bad season or anything, he still produced,” Seaman, who won three league titles at Arsenal, told the British media.

“Obviously he is getting older but your game adapts, that is what I found, you might not be as sharp as what you used to be but your experience gets you into the right positions.”

Cech’s arrival from Chelsea in 2015 meant that David Ospina became the team’s back-up goalkeeper and the Colombian has made just 11 Premier League appearances since then.

Seaman said Leno’s move to North London could have an impact on Ospina’s future at the club.

“I don’t think Ospina would be quite happy being a number two because he has been that for quite a while,” Seaman said.

“He might even be a number three so I would imagine David wants to play football, you can’t spend a big chunk of your career being a reserve. You’ve got to go out there and see how good you are.”

Arsenal, who finished sixth last season, begin their league campaign against defending champions Manchester City on Aug 12.