Arthur Okonkwo

[drippin]

Okonkwo doesn't have his own thread? @A__G ? Do I make one from this article?

'Ramsdale is crazy and Leno's amazing' - Arsenal keeper Okonkwo reflects on dream year as loan move approaches | Goal.com UK

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo discusses a potential loan move this summer after developing both as a player and a person working alongside Aaron Ramsdale and Bernd Leno on a daily basis since signing a new contract with the Gunners last summer

www.goal.com

 

[drippin]

From this article one can understand how much it means for own youth players to succeed at their own clubs. This makes me hopeful for the other Hale Enders wanting to extend, and I knew it with ESR with the Villa sillyness.

Okonkwo has been at Arsenal since age 7, and seems very mature, ready to go on loan and come back when ready to challenge for #1 spot.

It's interesting he has always loved making saves, compares it to the feeling of scoring goals. He has had much trouble adjusting to his height through youth levels, because he is 198cm tall now. But that's some luck too to become so tall when you were a goalie since a child!

"“I’m a completely different goalkeeper now than I was in pre-season,” he says. “Being in and around the first team every day, you improve not only as a keeper, but as a person.

“You learn how to communicate better, you understand your environment better.

“I’ve obviously also had a few games with the Under-23s, so it’s all been really positive for me and I’ve seen a huge improvement in myself in the games I’ve played in."

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"Focusing on Leno, Okonkwo says: “Bernd has sat out most of this season after playing almost all of the games last season.

“But he’s been amazing. He hasn’t once changed his character or the way he has trained.

“Day in, day out, he’s still good around everyone. He’s still the same Leno I knew last season and that shows me a lot from a learning point of view.

“As a keeper, especially at top teams, there are going to be times when you are not playing and I have to take all of that on board.”"

---

"Okonkwo lists Leno and Alexandre Lacazette as the two players who have helped him the most since he joined the first-team.

He regularly asks both for advice, with the youngster describing Lacazette as "an amazing character" who "always helps the young players" when it comes to advice.

The current Gunners captain is also one of the two team-mates Okonkwo singles out as the best finishers he faces in training, along with Gabriel Martinelli.

But who are the players he hates to face when Arteta decides it’s time for some shooting drills at London Colney?

“I don’t hate facing anyone,” he said. “I enjoy facing everyone because I just want to make saves.

“The Hardest shot? Eddie Nketiah can hit the ball. Granit [Xhaka] as well.

“He doesn’t do much finishing so I always forget about him, but when he does, you know about it!

“I would say those are the people to be afraid of in training.”"

 

[jones]

The more Hale End kids the better although he's only about three years younger than Ramsdale isn't he, urgently needs a loan in that case.

Looked well shaky in the couple of reserves games. Also a bit malnourished.

 

[drippin]

The more Hale End kids the better although he's only about three years younger than Ramsdale isn't he, urgently needs a loan in that case.

Looked well shaky in the couple of reserves games. Also a bit malnourished.

About 3,5 years younger yes. The article says that the club and Okonkwo both see a loan coming next summer. It's great that he has now matured as a person to being ready for another environment in senior games.

Would you suggest a currywurst diet for him or what is the best option for some weight?

 

[MutableEarth]

There are fewer players who need a loan more than Okonkwo. He has the skill, the size and the ball-playing to be a very good goalie but he has so much nerves in him whenever he steps up a level. He'll need a lot more time to cook, and I think playing first team football at a lower level would be very good for him. I think perhaps League 1 would be a good landing spot, Championship might be too soon for him IMO.
That said, despite his jitters, on his game he's extremely talented. Has made very impressive saves and is usually strong on crosses owing to his height.

 

[sergio_giorgini]

There are fewer players who need a loan more than Okonkwo. He has the skill, the size and the ball-playing to be a very good goalie but he has so much nerves in him whenever he steps up a level. He'll need a lot more time to cook, and I think playing first team football at a lower level would be very good for him. I think perhaps League 1 would be a good landing spot, Championship might be too soon for him IMO.
That said, despite his jitters, on his game he's extremely talented. Has made very impressive saves and is usually strong on crosses owing to his height.

Think Hein has the higher ceiling. I’ll be very surprised if Okonkwo makes it here.

 

[Rimaal]

He's 21. That's very young for a keeper. Can afford a couple of years on loan, hopefully to a championship team.

 

[MutableEarth]

Think Hein has the higher ceiling. I’ll be very surprised if Okonkwo makes it here.

Hein has more experience owing to being Estonian so he already plays for them. Okonkwo IMO is more talented but there's not much between them in terms of pure talent. Hein's distribution is also not very good but he's a keeper so I'm not terribly bothered by that.

 

[Rex Stone]

Hein has more experience owing to being Estonian so he already plays for them. Okonkwo IMO is more talented but there's not much between them in terms of pure talent. Hein's distribution is also not very good but he's a keeper so I'm not terribly bothered by that.

We should sign more kids from these dead national teams.

They’re getting full international caps aged 16 ffs. Like sending them out on loan without having to do anything

 

[Yousif Arsenal]

The first time i saw Arthur in pre season yes he made terrible errors but he have the body strength and height to be top keeper. Being a keeper is annoying job because if you lose your place like Leno or being 3rd keeper like Arthur you'll never get chance.

Next season will be likely similar to this season for him so i hope we can send him on loan.

 

[jones]

About 3,5 years younger yes. The article says that the club and Okonkwo both see a loan coming next summer. It's great that he has now matured as a person to being ready for another environment in senior games.

Would you suggest a currywurst diet for him or what is the best option for some weight?

Why would I suggest Currywurst? Gross.

 

[MutableEarth]

The more Hale End kids the better although he's only about three years younger than Ramsdale isn't he, urgently needs a loan in that case.

Looked well shaky in the couple of reserves games. Also a bit malnourished.

In fairness, he was out for well over a year quite recently with a mystery illness that was never disclosed. Only Jeorge Bird knows what it was and when pressed, refused to reveal what it was so must have been serious.

 

[Hunta]

Needs a loan next season.

Ramsdale, Turner and Ejeheri probably our GK’s next season, big downgrade.

 

[MutableEarth]

Needs a loan next season.

Ramsdale, Turner and Ejeheri probably our GK’s next season, big downgrade.

I like Ejeheri actually. Think he might be our best in the academy. Very solid all-round and an excellent distributor.

 

[Riou]

 

[Mrs Bergkamp]

Good luck to him. I hope he has a stellar season and is ready to contest a spot in the first team squad next season.

 

[MutableEarth]

Settled into his League 2 loan quite well, has now saved 2 penalties in his last 2 games. 72% save rate aswell.

 

[ragnarock]

Phrasing.

 

[MutableEarth]

View attachment 10977
Phrasing.

He's kept quite a few clean-sheets already though so clearly not doing too much coming. Is it oochie-wally or is it one mic?

He's having a great season, fair play to him. Always thought he was an extremely talented goalie, just needed to shed the nerves.