‘He’s been amazing’: Player Mikel Arteta sold for just £8m already dazzling only weeks after leaving Arsenal
Bernd Leno is already dazzling for Fulham only weeks after he was sold for just £8 million (Sky Sports) by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
The German international had fallen down the pecking order in North London after the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale last summer.
Leno was a reliable goalkeeper for the Gunners during his time there but Arteta preferred Ramsdale due to his ability on the ball.
And now the 30–year-old is putting in some brilliant displays during the early stages of his Fulham career.
Leno’s new boss Marco Silva and teammate Tom Cairney have been singing his praises while talking to the Athletic.
Fulham may have picked up a bargain in Leno and his two latest performances show Silva’s side have a reliable shot stopper between the sticks.
The former Gunners man made some brilliant saves against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon and also impressed during his return to the Emirates the week before.
“He’s been amazing and amazing since day one,” Cairney told the Athletic.
“He had to wait a little bit to play, but he was completely professional in training.
“Since he’s been in the sticks he’s been magnificent. He’s a top professional, a German international.
“He’s a great signing for us. We’ve got two top keepers now.”
Silva has also heaped praise on Leno after an impressive start at Craven Cottage.
He said: “He’s a top, top goalkeeper and I’ll probably repeat that every single week.
“Everything he’s given for us is what I expect from him. He kept us in the game.
“When he needs to make his mark in the game he’s always there. A mature goalkeeper.
“He gives us calmness in some moments. He is a really important player for us and each week he will be even more important.”
Leno is certainly a brilliant shot stopper, as he is showing once again for the Cottagers. But it was his ability with the ball at his feet that led to Arteta replacing him.
But the German is a great coup for Fulham and kept them in both games against Arsenal and Spurs recently.
