Aaron Ramsdale, the England national team goalkeeper was the number one at his club Arsenal. Unfortunately, he has now become the second choice after losing his spot to David Raya despite featuring in every match for the Gunners in the Premier League last season.
Evidently, the England international is no longer the first preference for the Spanish boss at the Emirates Stadium. Raya, who is on loan from Brentford, has cemented his place in the lineup ahead of him. The 25-year-old has now opened up about the situation.
Ramsdale opens up on losing starting spot.
Aaron Ramsdale had been the first-choice goalkeeper who started all of their league games last season and continued into this season as well, getting the start in the first four Premier League matches until David Raya was handed his debut in the Arsenal colors.
Ramsdale last featured in the premier clash against Manchester United in their 3-1 victory. Since then, he has remained on the bench in all the competitions with Raya being the preferred choice in front of the post. He is yet to make his Champions League appearance for the Gunners as well.
Ramsdale was on international duty with England, yet he didn’t feature in two of the fixtures against Australia and Italy, as Gareth South picked Crystal Palace keeper Sam Johnstone and Jordon Pickford ahead of him.
The 25-year-old is aiming to make it into the squad of three lions for EURO 2024, but he recognizes it’s not possible if he spends his season on the bench. He recently revealed losing his starting eleven places to Raya and said he is suffering and hurt by fears of losing his place in the national team as well.
Ramsdale, said, “There are days when I come in and I’m down because of the situation and he picks me up and, for whatever reason, there might be a day where he’s down and even though I’m suffering and hurting for not playing, I have to stand up and be able to push him and make sure he’s ready if he if he’s picked to play.”.
He said further, “I need to get back into my club team to keep getting picked for England and keep giving the manager a headache because if I’m not, then that’s an easier decision for him, It is the first time I have found myself in this situation.”
Arsenal keeper labels discussions ‘strange’ regarding starting place
Ramsdale believes the ongoing discussion regarding his starting place under Spaniard boss, Mikel Arteta is strange. Moreover, the keeper revealed his relationship with his fellow clubmate Raya and competition in the team for the starting place.
“There’s a lot a lot of attention. There’s a lot of talk at the minute. Whether it is me or David who plays we need to be able to just focus and play but at the same time, it’s a strange, big headline.”, Ramsdale stated further.
Ramsdale and Raya both share a good professional relationship in the training, pushing each other irrespective of choices being made by the manager regarding the first eleven.
