Mikel Arteta Supports Aaron Ramsdale’s Inclusion in England Squad
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a message to England coach Gareth Southgate, urging him to consider including goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the national squad for the upcoming European Championships. Despite losing his place as Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper, Arteta believes Ramsdale deserves a chance to represent his country.
Ramsdale, who is currently on loan from Spanish club David Raya, will make his first league start since November against Brentford this weekend. The 25-year-old has been given an opportunity to impress, as Raya is ineligible to play against his parent club.
The goalkeeper has previously voiced his concerns about missing out on a place in the England squad for Euro 2024 due to his lack of game time. However, Arteta argues that Ramsdale’s consistent performances over the past two or three seasons should be taken into account when making the decision.
Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta said, “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 and the consistency he has shown, the quality he has shown. It would give me no reason to make another decision.”
Arteta also highlighted Ramsdale’s character, charisma, enthusiasm, and energy as qualities that make him a valuable asset. He believes that these intangible attributes cannot be controlled and that they make Ramsdale an invaluable player.
Ramsdale himself has acknowledged the concern about his lack of minutes on the pitch. However, he remains optimistic and determined to repay Southgate’s trust if given the opportunity to play for England. He draws inspiration from other players like Kalvin Phillips and Harry Maguire, who have performed well for their country despite limited game time at their clubs.
At one point, Ramsdale was a strong contender for the number one goalkeeper spot with England. However, Jordan Pickford has now solidified his position, and other keepers like Sam Johnstone, Nick Pope, and Jack Butland have also been performing impressively. Despite the competition, Ramsdale is eager to reclaim his place in the Arsenal team and give Southgate a selection headache.
As the European Championships approach, it remains to be seen whether Southgate will heed Arteta’s advice and include Ramsdale in the England squad. The goalkeeper’s performance against Brentford will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining his chances of making the cut.
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