The decision by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to consistently favor David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale in the 2023/24 campaign has raised eyebrows among the fanbase.
Ramsdale, the 25-year-old goalkeeper, has found himself on the fringes, making only five Premier League appearances this season as Arsenal positions themselves in the title race, currently trailing Liverpool by just one point.
This situation has prompted discussions within the fanbase, with some expressing a desire for Ramsdale to feature prominently and name fellow Arsenal players, such as Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, or Martin Odegaard, among the best in his career.
The expectation of allegiance to his current club is evident, and some fans may find his choice of the best player he has played with, both in club and international football, potentially irksome.
In a revealing moment on Ben Foster’s ‘Fozcast,’ recorded last year but recently resurfaced, Ramsdale responded to a quick-fire question about the best player he has played with. His honest response may not sit well with certain Arsenal supporters: “It’s supposed to be quick fire, isn’t it? I give it to Phil Foden, yeah.”
The fact that Ramsdale, at a time when he was still gaining prominence at Arsenal, selected Phil Foden, a Manchester City player, as the best he has played with, adds an interesting dimension to his relationship with his current teammates.
This disclosure comes at a time when Ramsdale is striving to regain his place in the limelight, both at Arsenal and on the international stage.
The goalkeeper’s struggles to secure a regular spot at Arsenal could have wider implications for his international aspirations, particularly with the upcoming European Championships in Germany next summer. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has consistently included both Ramsdale and Foden in recent national team plans, suggesting their importance to the squad.
As Ramsdale navigates through this challenging period, the looming January transfer window presents a critical juncture.
With Raya continuing to be Arteta’s preferred choice in goal, Ramsdale may need to assess his options and potentially make a decision about his future at the Emirates Stadium. The competition for the goalkeeper position intensifies, and his aspirations to solidify his role within the national team may influence the path he chooses.
The complex dynamics surrounding Ramsdale’s standing at Arsenal, combined with his candid acknowledgment of Foden as the best player he has played with, adds layers of intrigue to the unfolding narrative of his career.
The coming months will undoubtedly shape not only his club future but also his prospects on the international stage as he seeks to establish himself among the elite in both realms.
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