By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal Keeper, Aaron Ramsdale, was signed in the summer of 2021 to compete with German keeper, Bernard Leno, who is yet to convince Arsenal fans since he was bought in 2018.
After Leno conceded 10 goals in three straight games against Brentford, Chelsea, and Man City, Arteta replaced him with the former Sheffield United keeper who responded with clean sheets.
Since Ramsdale took charge, Arsenal has recovered from losing three straight games, they have now won six and drawn two Premier League games to go 6th on the log.
His man of the match performance against a rejuvenated Leicester City at the King Power stadium yesterday earned him accolades from his gaffer.
After the 2-0 win away to Leicester, Arteta was asked if the £24 million invested on Aaron Ramsdale was money well spent and he has this to say:
“We invest money in talent and people we believe can be great for the future of the club.
“We made that decision based on that and Aaron has had some really encouraging performances, and today he had some incredible saves to maintain the clean sheet and he needs to continue to do that.
“In football, you have to play 50 games for 20 years, and this is only the start.”
During the game, the keeper made a spectacular save to protect his team’s lead in the game, as he stopped an incredible free-kick from Maddison and his coach could not but appreciate the dramatic save.
” I have just seen a picture, I haven’t seen the video footage but my reaction there when I saw the ball leaving Maddison’s foot, I said, ‘Goal’.
“So I don’t know how it happened, it was incredible – and the moment and the timing of it as well were crucial,” he said.
He was further asked what Ramsdale brings to the dressing room and he opined that he is full of energy, which he transmits to other players to generate the needed chemistry within the team.
“I think he has settled in a group that is very welcoming that has young energy and with humble senior players that accommodate you straight away.
” Then Aaron’s character, he’s full of energy, he can transmit that energy and that passion and they have great chemistry between them,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal coach was also asked if Ramsdale’s recent performances are good enough to earn him England’s No 1 spot for the World Cup.
Arteta was cautious in his response, as he acknowledges that it wasn’t his decision to make, he, however, believes Ramsdale has the potential to be in the post for England at the World Cup.
“I think when you dream big, it is always positive. Keep your feet in the earth, some people make those decisions but he needs to be doing what he’s doing every day.
“Train the way he trains, look after himself the way he does, have that mentality he has, and good performances. The rest will come.” the gaffer concluded.