Young goalkeeper Karl Hein enjoyed a game to remember in the Dubai Super Cup on Thursday – keeping a clean sheet and saving no fewer than four spot kicks in the shootout.
All games in this friendly tournament end in penalties, regardless of scoreline, so our academy graduate had the chance to prove his worth from 12 yards. And the 20-year-old didn’t disappoint. With Matt Turner and Aaron Ramsdale involved in the World Cup, he’s certainly taking his opportunity to shine.
After playing the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 win he spoke to Arsenal Media, here’s what he said…
on the performance…
Yeah, the boys did really well for the first 70 minutes I believe when the first team players were on - did an excellent job. First half, we were excellent. We were aggressive, we scored goals. Second half, the under-21 boys came on and finished it off really well. I think we were really solid to the end.
on the shootout…
Yeah, absolutely. We don't get penalty shootouts often so I think it's a really, really good idea from the tournament to implement that penalty shootout. So yeah, I think it was a great experience. A bit of a different scenario with the penalty shootout. We managed to win so everything is good.
on backing himself on penalties…
Oh, yes. I mean, as a goalkeeper you have to be confident and do the best to save the penalties.
on taking his opportunity with two goalkeepers away at the World Cup…
Yeah, you could say that. Matty did really well. Unfortunately, he got knocked out. And Rambo has been with England so yeah, it is an opportunity for me, which I'm really grateful about.
on being in Dubai…
It's been hot! It's been quite tough. Tough training in the hot weather is a bit different, but it's another preseason because of the World Cup. We can take advantage of it.
on his development…
Yeah. Well, that's my aim to be the number one in the future, so I am doing my best to develop and grow.
on the other young players…
Yeah, absolutely. I think the under-21s made a great improvement from the Watford game where it wasn't ideal. I think the confidence wasn't really there but today, they really, really accepted the challenge I think and really did well.
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