WOJCIECH SZCZESNY

Arsenal’s efforts to replace the great David Seaman saw a number of goalkeepers pass through the doors at the club but, in Szczesny, they may have finally found the answer.

A commanding stopper, he joined Arsenal in 2006 from Legia Warsaw and impressed in the reserves before a training ground accident saw him break both of his arms. His recovery made him stronger and he wasted little time in seeking to prove himself worthy of a place in the first-team.

A very successful loan spell to Brentford, which saw Brentford manager Andy Scott proclaim: “It has reached the stage where when he lets in a goal we wonder why he hasn’t saved it,” saw him put into the spotlight and he was given his chance with Arsenal in the Carling Cup - keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in October 2010.

With Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia injured, Szczesny continued to impress in early 2011 and is tipped to become Arsenal’s established No. 1 in the years to come.

Strengths: Very brave, he is able to spread his big frame and excels in one-on-ones. A confident catcher of the ball, he also has very good reflexes.

Weaknesses: Kicking has been a real struggle, as he has not shown confidence when the ball is laid back to him.

Career high: Taking over the No. 1 spot at Arsenal at the start of 2011 with some impressive performances.

Career low: Szczesny broke both of his arms in 2008 after a training ground accident saw him slip when lifting weights.

Style: Strong, commanding, brave, a confident goalkeeper.

Quotes: “I really believe in him that he will one day be Arsenal’s No 1. He has all the qualities you want from a goalkeeper.” Arsene Wenger, January 2010.

Trivia: He is the son of former Polish international goalkeeper Maciej Szczesny, who hit the headlines for punching Roberto Mancini in the face.