Reported Arsenal target David Ospina impresses against Uruguay

Follow us on Google Discover

David Ospina produced a solid display for Colombia as they beat a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay 2-0 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

The 25-year-old Nice goalkeeper looked extremely sharp when called upon, denying the likes of Edinson Cavani and Maxi Pereira as his country reached the last eight of a World Cup for the first time in their history.

Although it has been all quiet on the transfer front recently for Ospina, Arsenal have reportedly targeted the shot-stopper as a second-choice goalkeeper to provide competition for Wojciech Szczesny.

The Colombian is known for his quick reflexes and, based on his performance against Uruguay, would bring a very useful skill-set to north London.

–>

Opta data shows that Ospina had to make four saves against the Uruguayans, all of which were diving saves, despite a victory that looked all-too-comfortable for Colombia at times.

In truth, the 25-year-old was as important to his side as anyone in the second half, as the likes of Cavani and Abel Hernandez pushed to get a goal back.

During that busy period came most of Ospina’s saves, with a low dive to deny Cavani and a reflex-save to stop Pereira being the most memorable. In the air, the Nice goalkeeper was also adept, collecting three crosses confidently in a crowded penalty area.

One weakness of the Colombian’s that could be criticised, however, was his distribution, with only 75% of his goal kicks making their way to a team-mate. Ospina’s kicks tended to drift to the left, while some didn’t even stay on-field when the stopper was under pressure.

Overall, though, Ospina was very impressive during the last-16 tie, as Colombia’s no.1 registered his second clean sheet of the tournament.

For more on the Gunners target, read our five facts piece here.