Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been told his character is his strongest attribute by club legend Ray Parlour as Gareth Southgate prepares to pick his next England side.
Ramsdale was signed for £30 million from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window in a move that raised eyebrows and drew plenty of criticism. But he has embedded himself into Mikel Arteta's starting XI with ease and been one of the Premier League's standout shot-stoppers this season.
Parlour is one of many to be impressed with the summer signing and, after Ramsdale kept his 12th clean sheet in 23 Premier League appearances, piled praise on him.
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"I’ve been very impressed with Aaron Ramsdale this season," Parlour told The Design Museum, ahead of a new exhibition. "I know there were some question marks because he has a couple of relegations on his CV from his time at Sheffield United and Bournemouth, but he played very well at those two clubs so I had no doubts that he would prove to be a good signing.
"I must admit that I am surprised at how quickly he has adjusted to the demands of being at a club the size of Arsenal and I didn’t expect him to push Bernd Leno to the bench so soon, but he’s earned his place and he’s made some incredible saves this season. Arsenal had clearly been watching him for a while and they were very impressed with the character he had shown in those relegation battles.
"I think Ramsdale’s character is arguably one of his strongest attributes because a goalkeeper’s mistake usually leads to a goal and that can really dent your confidence. I like that he’s commanding and he certainly hasn’t shied away from controlling his defence during his first season at the club."
With a World Cup on the horizon, the debate over who should start in goal for Gareth Southgate's side is sure to intensify. Jordan Pickford has always been the boss's go-to man but with Everton fighting relegation and Arsenal pushing for the top four, a change may be in order.
But while Parlour believes that Ramsdale will ultimately become Southgate's No. 1 choice, he says the Qatar World Cup will likely come too soon, with Pickford having earned the spot over the previous four years.
"I believe that it’s only a matter of time until Aaron Ramsdale is England’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Gareth Southgate is a very loyal man and I expect he will stick with Jordan Pickford for the World Cup in Qatar," he added.
"Ramsdale is doing everything right by providing big competition and he’s putting a lot of pressure on Pickford to keep his place. However, Pickford has never let England down so I’d be surprised if we introduced a new goalkeeper on the biggest stage at the World Cup."
