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Pundits Roy Keane and Micah Richards clashed over their opposing views on whether players should compete for their position.
Ex-Arsenal forward Theo Walcottt – who recently announced his retirement from football – was stuck in the middle of the heated debate on Sky Sports.
It comes after Crystal Palace announced their signing of Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson
‘You need competition at your club. If every player had that mindset – ‘Oh if somebody’s going to come in to challenge me’ – that’s what you want.’
Dean Henderson enjoyed a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest last season from United
Sam Johnstone is Palace’s first choice goalkeeper, though they will be in competition now
Keane (right) said he wasn’t afraid of the added competition when Veron (middle) arrived
Keane added: ‘These goalkeepers that are upset about another goalkeeper coming in, what are they talking about?’
The ex-Manchester City defender Richards immediately chimed in, pointing out the lack of consistency for centre-backs.
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‘You can’t forget the consistency, if you’re a centre-back and the goalkeeper keeps changing,’ he said.
‘If you concede or make a mistake, you know you’re going to be out next game. That’s no good for your confidence.’
Responding, Keane retaliated: ‘Your competition comes from within. I didn’t complain when we signed [Juan Sebastian] Veron.’
Theo Walcott is set to retire from professional football after he was released by Southampton
David Raya has joined Arsenal on loan from London rivals Brentford this summer, though will sit behind Aaron Ramsdale for the No.1 spot as the preferred shot stopper for the Gunners
Theo Walcott humorously added that he was placed in the middle for a reason: ‘Is this why I’m stood in the middle between these two?
The pair also discussed Arsenal’s recent signing of David Raya in competition for Aaron Ramsdale’s No 1 spot was also a discussion point for Keane and Micah, who differed in their views.
Dean Henderson was announced as Crystal Palace’s new signing, though will compete with Sam Johnstone for a starting spot, as will Ramsdale and Raya – who is yet to start for Arsenal.
