Former Arsenal goalkeeper and coach Bob Wilson says Manuel Almunia deserves his No1 status at the Gunners.
"To progress each step of the way, you have got to crack your own club and win the battle with those around you. Manuel has proved that he can play, he has been accepted, and he should have been allowed to take the next step with Spain. They have Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina who are possibly ahead of Manuel at the moment but this season could be very significant for him.
"With goalkeepers it isn't just about keeping the ball out of the back of the net. It is about their presence in the goalmouth as it always is with great goalies from David Seaman to Peter Shilton to Pat Jennings to Gordon Banks. There is a presence they have which transmits itself to the players in front of them.
"Jens Lehmann had a bossiness about him, he was experienced and he talked to his team-mates, he organised them. Manuel has shown he is a good goalkeeper, a good shot-stopper and a fantastic kicker, now he can show he is a leader as well. Goalkeepers have to be leaders and I have high hopes for him."