Ahead of the first leg of our Europa Conference League semi-final tie against Olympiacos, Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen has come into focus.
The 34-year-old shot-stopper will deputise for Emiliano Martinez given his suspension for the first encounter at Villa Park this week, while the Argentine’s injury setback could see the experienced Swedish international get a prolonged run in the side.
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It’s fair to say that Olsen hasn’t always entirely convinced since he joined Villa in January 2022, but not only does the stalwart play a fundamental role in our squad, he’s also shown more positive signs in recent outings.
Having conceded 10 goals in seven appearances across all competitions this season while keeping just two clean sheets doesn’t necessarily paint the most positive picture, Olsen pulled off a decisive save last Saturday that proved to be the difference between earning a point and coming away with nothing against Chelsea.
Further, he’s starting to look more settled and calmer in the Villa XI, both through the way he commands his box and his distribution, and based on comments from Unai Emery and Matty Cash this week, the Swede is a valued member of the squad and an important presence in the dressing room.
“Dibu Martínez is very important and he’s being very competitive and helping us a lot,” Emery told the media, as per VillaTV. “With an issue like with the yellow cards and the small injury he has, we have to protect, help, support and push other players in the squad.
“Robin Olsen is being very competitive every day in every training session. When he’s played, he’s helped the team and the team believes in him and trusts in his performances.
“For example, on Saturday he played 45 minutes against Chelsea and he saved us. As a man, he’s humble and is a very appreciated man in the dressing room. Hopefully he can help us and feel comfortable.”
“Robin is a really experienced player, Emi is the world number one but Robin is fantastic and he has more than enough experience to come in,” Cash added, as noted by VillaTV. “He knows he’s ready, it’ll be good to see him in there.”
Of course, Olsen isn’t Martinez, and few – if any – can match what the inspirational World Cup winner can bring to the pitch when he’s involved. Beyond his elite goalkeeping ability, he’s a huge presence and personality who adds leadership, sets the standard for those around him and has adapted to what Emery wants from his goalkeeper, particularly with our high defensive line.
It’s a thankless task for Olsen to try and replicate what he does and Villa have to adjust and adapt to his limitations, but he’s the definition of a team player in that he knows opportunities to play will be few and far between, but it’s a role that Emery and Villa need from him behind Martinez, and he steps up when called upon.
There is still significant room for improvement for Olsen in terms of his adaptation under Emery, but that arguably can only come if he plays more and settles. He’ll have a huge opportunity this week to showcase his worth and importance, and it’s hoped that he’s able to play a key role in helping us take a lead to Greece for the second leg next week, and potentially shut out Brighton and seal fourth place in the Premier League on Sunday.