Nikita Khaikin delighted Arsenal fans.
This season, only three Russian players play in European competition. One of them is the goalkeeper of the Norwegian “Bodø-Glimt” Nikita Khaykin. The team of our goalkeeper is not the strongest, but this allows him to show his talent in all its glory. The day before, Khaikin, together with partners, played against Arsenal and impressed local fans.
Although Glimt missed three unanswered goals from the Londoners, in England they still admire the Russian keeper. And they even want to see him at the Emirates!
Haikin knows what is vital for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Haikin against all
Before the game, there was no doubt that Arsenal would fall on Nikita’s goal and not allow him to rest. Even the second line-up of the “Gunners” very powerfully pressed the defenders of “Bodø-Glimt” and more than once threatened the gates of the Russian. In the first half, Haykin handled Fabio Vieira one-on-one and Granit Xhaka’s strongest free-kick. After the break, Nikita again saved his team after a Swiss shot from the penalty area.
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Alas, Khaykin’s efforts only led to the fact that Glimt did not lose with a larger score. However, in modern football, the functions of the goalkeeper are not limited to saves. In London, the Russian keeper clearly demonstrated that he could be useful in something else. And thus impressed even the Arsenal fans.
Foot play
After the game, social networks are full of enthusiastic reviews of Haykin from English fans. They especially liked the way the Russian plays the pass and starts the attacks of his team. We must pay tribute to the Norwegians: they basically tried to get out of the pressure of Arsenal through a short and medium pass, and Nikita was the most important link in these draws. In North London, this skill is very much appreciated!
In total, Haykin made 55 passes during the match, 42 of which were successful (76%). For comparison, only 19 out of 30 passes from Arsenal second goalkeeper Matt Turner reached the destination. At the same time, Nikita also chalked up 6 accurate long-range passes in 19 attempts. After the game, social networks are full of rave reviews from English fans about the Russian goalkeeper. Some even want Haikin to take over from Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal.
– I would take him as the second goalkeeper in Arsenal. Today he stood very confidently for Boude Glimt. Despite three conceded goals, I would call him the best player in their roster,” Daddy Jays shares his impressions.
— Goalkeeper “Boude Glimt” looks great when playing with his feet. He would fit into the Arsenal style,” Sash agrees.
– We need a goalkeeper like Khaikin, who can play the last defender, give short and long passes. Just bravo! applauds Water_April.
— Only three Arsenal outfield players made more passes per game than Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Khaikin! – gives interesting statistics victor Akpan.
Hey, Arsenal fans, have you noticed how good Haykin is? asks O.J.
“Haikin showed class today,” sums up newArsenal.
Khaykin also attracted the attention of big clubs last season with his performances in European competition. If he still manages not to lower the bar, then in a year, perhaps, he will be in a strong championship. In the end, 27 years is the heyday for a goalkeeper.
