Arsenal’s latest signing Alex Runarsson spoke to the club’s official website about the goalkeepers he looked up to as a kid.
The Iceland international joined the Gunners earlier this week as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who was sold to Aston Villa. Runarsson is yet to play a game for the Gunners, but it looks like he has been following the club for quite some time now.
The goalkeeper was asked about the players he studied as a youngster. Runarsson revealed that he idolised two Gunners legends, and claimed that he wants emulate their success in an Arsenal shirt in the coming years.
He said: “They are amazing – I remember watching (David) Seaman play when I was a small kid, the same with Jens Lehmann.
“Big characters, big personalities but also great goalkeepers. It is not easy to follow those guys but someone has to do it! Football would be no fun without having this type of pressure so it will be a challenge but I am up for it.”
Seaman and Lehmann are arguably two of the greatest goalkeepers to ever play for Arsenal. The duo won the Premier League with the Gunners and they are an inspiration to all young stoppers around the world.
Runarsson has big shoes to fill at Arsenal
Martinez made a huge impression at Arsenal before leaving for Aston Villa. Runarsson, when he gets the chance, will have big shoes to fill, and he probably doesn’t have to wait too long before he is called into action.
The Gunners take on Leicester City in the Carabao Cup later tonight. Runarsson could well be given his Arsenal debut and, if he can keep the likes of Jamie Vardy and James Maddison quiet, he will win over the fans very quickly.
Emulating legends like Seaman and Lehmann is a bit too ambitious for Runarsson, considering that he is far away from Leno’s number one spot. However, he should be ready when he gets the chance, just like Martinez was last season.
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