Watford opinion: Should the Hornets sign Robin Olsen?
According to a report from Calciomercato, Watford are serious about signing Roma’s Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen. The report reveals that Javi Gracia’s side have made an offer of €8.5million to acquire the services of the 29-year-old shot-stopper.
The Hornets are having an outstanding campaign in the Premier League under Javi Gracia, who has taken them ever so close to a top-seven finish. Watford are currently 8th, just a point away from qualifying for the Europa League next season.
The Hornets’ next game is against 7th placed Wolves and a win against them will confirm their presence in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League next season. The Hornets have had a solid squad this season but will receive a blow in the summer when Heurelho Gomes’ contract expires.
36-year-old Ben Foster has also had a few shaky moments this season, as was seen against Arsenal, where his mistake cost them the game. The Hornets will need a new first-choice keeper to continue their progression and signing Robin Olsen will be a smart move.
The Swede hasn’t had the best of seasons at Roma this season but a lot of it has been down to the club’s collective performances this season. The Italian outfit’s terrible form this season has seen them drop to 6th in the league and as a result, Olsen has lost his place in the squad.
His performance this season should not take anything away from the quality he has in between the sticks and Watford will have a player in their ranks, who can single-handedly save them games next season.
Olsen checks all the boxes that a goalkeeper needs in the modern game. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, the Swede is a colossal figure between the sticks.
He uses his height to brilliant effect during set pieces, which will be a major asset in the Premier League, where a ton of goals are conceded from corners and freekicks every season.
Despite his humungous frame, Olsen is extremely agile and gets off his line pretty quickly. His reactions are top notch for a man of his size and unlike many old-school goalkeepers, he is decent with his feet and would give Watford the option of playing out from the back.
Olsen is also vastly experienced, which is a massive trait for a goalkeeper, having played over 250 senior career games for club and country over the best part of the last decade.
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Conclusion
A player of Robin Olsen’s quality for a club like Watford, who are in dire need of a goalkeeper is a match made in heaven and Javi Gracia can be assured of security between the posts for next season if Watford were to sign him in the summer.