Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has revealed that Jamie Vardy is the player he finds it toughest to play against, snubbing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah in his selection.
It comes ahead of the Gunners’ match against Vardy’s Leicester City side this Sunday, with Mikel Arteta looking to consolidate fourth-place in the Premier League table with a win.
The Spaniard has got his side firing on all cylinders as of late, winning four of their last five league games to be the second most in-form side in the division only behind Liverpool.
Playing a big part in that is, of course, Ramsdale, who continues to impress since his £30million switch from Sheffield United last summer.
The 23-year-old has made a number of big saves, none more so than in the reverse fixture against the Foxes where he made an outstanding stop to deny the opposition from a free-kick.
When discussing the save to the Arsenal official website at the time, he said: “It’s just all about reactions.
"I was more worried that he was going to reverse it into my corner but as it was a close free-kick, he sort of had to get it up and over the wall and that gave me a chance. He couldn’t really whip it like he normally does.
"From then on, it’s about explosion. If you get there, you get there and if not, you don’t. I’ll watch it back. It’s just one of those that can go either way."
The England international will be hoping for a similar, albeit quieter, afternoon on Sunday when they face Leicester again with an important three points up for grabs.
However, when they do meet, the goalkeeper will face a returning Vardy, who has recently come back from injury.
The striker, who has been an instrumental figure for his club in their Premier League years, has been a thorn in the side of most teams. However, for Ramsdale in particular, Vardy offers a threat that has made him the toughest player he has faced.
Ahead of the game, he said: “The one I hate playing against most is Jamie Vardy, the guy just doesn’t stop running.
"I’d love to have him on my team, hate playing against him. I’ve played against him five times now, he’s scored four times.”
The pair being on the same side could have been a reality, had a transfer for the former England international gone through a few seasons back.
However, he opted to stay at the King Power Stadium, meaning they will face off once again.
Despite Ramsdale’s worries, he managed to keep a clean sheet last time he faced off with Vardy and there will be a hope that he can continue that run on Sunday.
