A Beginner’s Guide to Robin Olsen
The final of Aston Villa’s four pre-transfer window signings Robin Olsen gets the Five ‘W’s’ question treatment. A brass tacks skinny guide of Villa’s signings, which covers the everything from ‘why?’ to the worries they might bring wearing a Villa shirt.
Robin Olsen – The 5 W’s
Who?
Robin Patrick Olsen, Swedish international goalkeeper and occasional Captain, could have played for Denmark, as both parents are Danish.
Maybe to avoid the competition with the Schmeichel’s, or because he grew up in Sweden, he chose to represent the land of ABBA.
What?
If you excuse the pun, Olsen will bring a safe pair of hands to the role of backup goalkeeper. Despite rumours and online chatter, to have an experienced international goalkeeper, as a backup to your genuine World Class goalkeeper is as good as any team can expect.
Where?
Olsen has been at Aston Villa since January 2022, and despite only one appearance, there have been no rumours of discontent.\
He seems to know his role and can expect preseason and cup games now he has signed permanently.
Why?
It’s more a case of why not? Are you really going to get a goalkeeper, happy to play second fiddle, yet able to deputise when necessary for the reported transfer of three million pounds?
Aston Villa fans have been through the full spectrum of goalkeepers over the decades, so we know a dud.
Olsen, while not a Martinez, Bosnich or Spink, isn’t an Enckelman, Nyland or Kiraly either.
To play 59 times for your country means you are competent. To be six months at a club and get your loan move made permanent means you made a decent impression and fit in well.
Worries?
From an Aston Villa perspective, fans only have the one appearance to judge Olsen on. The final game of last season against Manchester City.
While some might say he could have done better with the Rodri equaliser, there wasn’t much else to criticise.
You have to also look at his accurate and lengthy kicking game, which led to the Coutinho goal and should have led to Watkins scoring at least one.
Seven appearances on loan for Carlo Ancelotti at Everton and 11 for Sheffield United, are the other examples in English football.
Ancelotti wanted to sign Olsen, again as the understudy, whereas Sheffield United fans were less than complimentary.
I think I’ll side with the judgement of Mr Ancelotti on this one.
UTV
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