Stats Comparison: Do Arsenal need Keylor Navas?

Keeping up with Keylor

It’s no surprise that after falling second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid, Costa Rican shot-stopper Keylor Navas has been linked with a move away.

Navas made a name for himself after his mighty displays at the 2014 World Cup that earned him the role of  Los Blancos’ number one.

Even amidst the failed move for Manchester United‘s David De Gea, Navas stepped in to perform at a more-than-acceptable level.

Recent reports suggest that Unai Emery and the Arsenal board are keen to pry him from the grasps of the reigning Champions League winners.

Should the Gunners pursue such a move? Let’s take a look.

Arsenal’s goalkeeping options

Following the permanent departure of Wojciech Szczesny to Juventus and the deteriorating form of Petr Cech, the Gunners secured the signature of the Bundesliga-proven keeper Bernd Leno.

News of the club’s interest in Navas baffled fans, given they have only just signed who looks to be their new number one for the foreseeable.

However, considering the aforementioned dwindling form of Petr Cech, an added option between the sticks would certainly be welcomed at the Emirates.

Especially if the club can snatch him up for the rumoured steal of £15m. Of course, though, he’d likely demand a hefty wage.

Statistics comparison

Each player has featured in a similar number of games this season, with each coach opting to rotate their goalkeeping options.

Nevertheless, it’s Leno who’s enjoyed the most game time so far this season, accumulating 853 minutes of league football in 10 separate fixtures.

However, interestingly enough, it’s actually Navas who has conceded the most this season with a whopping four goals per 90 metrics.

Leno and Cech’s respective tallies of 3.38 and 1.69 aren’t particularly striking achievements. However, in comparison to Navas’ record, they seem remarkably better.

What’s important to note, though, is the dire start to the season Real Madrid have suffered.

Navas then makes up for it with the number of saves he’s averaged in La Liga (10.38 per 90 metrics). Both Leno and Cech have recorded less than half of the Costa Rican’s tally (4.64 and 4.29).

Given the undeniable defenceReal Madrid boast, it’s surprising to see Navas forced to make so many saves. Perhaps this is an indication of how shaky the Madrid back line has been as of late.

The only parametre Petr Cech emerges victorious in is the number of saves made per goal. The Czech’s managed 0.39, while Navas follows closely behind with 0.32 and Leno trails even further with a measly 0.15.

Finally, Navas again tops the lot with the highest number of clean sheets per 90 metrics this season (0.5). Both Arsenal keepers’ tallies boast far lesser success. Leno has only managed 0.11 clean sheets per 90 metrics while Cech has managed slightly better with 0.5.

Conclusion

To conclude, the statistics from both Arsenal keepers show they’ve seen the brunt of their side’s inconsistent form.

Leno is still trying to adjust to life in the Premier League, while Cech’s ability is undoubtedly waivering.

Navas’ Madrid haven’t enjoyed much better fortunes. However, glimpses of the Costa Rican’s class have still shown throughout.

Even with Bernd Leno in the side, Arsenal will need a replacement should Petr Cech leave the club.

At just 26-years-old, Leno’s best days are still ahead of him. The introduction of Navas would be a welcomed addition to the Arsenal squad while Leno is groomed by coaches in becoming the player we know he can be.

However, the way the signing would be perceived by fans and pundits depends on if the club can secure him for the right price.

For once, this is where the frugal nature of Arsenal’s owners might come in handy.