Aaron Ramsdale has endured a tough season after losing his Arsenal starting spot at a crucial time in his England career.
Although Everton star Jordan Pickford is England’s first-choice goalkeeper, Ramsdale was playing himself into contention for the starting spot at the European Championships this summer with his strong performances last season, but his place in the squad could now be in jeopardy.
Given Ramsdale’s lack of game time, as he has the potential to not play a single game for the rest of the season after Arsenal’s clash with Brentford, England manager Gareth Southgate could be tempted to go with one of his other options as the second or third choice.
However, Mikel Arteta has now urged Southgate to consider Ramsdale based upon his previously strong performances, rather than his lack of minutes now.
Mikel Arteta urges Gareth Southgate to pick Aaron Ramsdale for England
Speaking via The Mirror, Arteta claimed that Ramsdale’s attitude should be commended and that he has earned enough credit to still be picked for the squad despite being on Arsenal’s bench for most of the season.
“I don’t know how Gareth is thinking but if I put that situation into my eyes and my perspective and how I make a decision, I would judge Aaron not for what he has done in one day but what he has done in the last two or three seasons,” he stated.
“He has shown consistency and for the quality he has shown. It would give me no reason to make another decision.
“A player has to be himself and one of the biggest qualities of Aaron is his character and his charisma, his enthusiasm, his energy. He is contagious with that. You cannot control that. That is him.”
Aaron Ramsdale’s unlucky year at Arsenal
Ramsdale performed well last season, earning a spot in the PFA Team Of The Year despite a few notable errors, and he looked set to be Arsenal’s number one for years to come.
The 25-year-old had shown constant signs of improvement, and Arteta has clearly invested money and time into him with the idea that he would be a long-term number one.
However, the availability of David Raya in the summer, and his remarkable ability in the air and in distributing the ball quickly makes him an upgrade on Ramsdale, and one which Arteta chose to bring in.
Ramsdale had done little to lose his place, but he has no chance of regaining it now, and this year has been a step back for his development and career progress at both club and International level.
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