Gareth Southgate believes Aaron Ramsdale can force his way back into the Arsenal starting XI
England manager Gareth Southgate has claimed that Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has everything it takes to force his way back into the starting line-up at the North London club.
The Gunners star has lost his starting berth to Brentford loanee David Raya, with his only two Premier League appearances since September coming against the Bees as his Spanish counterpart was ineligible to face his parent club.
Ramsdale has made just 11 appearances across all competitions but was included in the latest England squad for the friendly games against Brazil and Belgium later this month.
Southgate believes his performance against Brentford last Saturday after making some incredible saves despite an earlier error that led to a goal was one of the reasons the Arsenal goalie was invited to the national team again.
“We still believe he can force his way back into the team there (at Arsenal),” said the Three Lions boss.
“That will be more difficult after the penalty shoot-out the other day I would imagine. But he’s just got to keep pushing every day and training well every day.
“I think if we’ve got three goalkeepers and one isn’t regular, it’s not perfect, but at this moment in time we are prepared to take that chance.
“It’s not ideal that Aaron’s not playing. But he showed last week, to respond to the mistake the way that he did, that he has the mental resilience to play for England. In that position on the pitch, in particular, that’s crucial.”
Ramsdale has plenty to do if he is to become the Gunners number 1 again, and while Southgate is confident he can do so if he keeps pushing Raya, his chances are very slim.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already made up his mind, sticking with the Spaniard despite the shaky start he had upon becoming the first-choice in goal.
It will take a major injury for Ramsdale to get another chance to get a run of games this season, and it is hard to see him staying at the Emirates Stadium club beyond this summer if the situation does not change.
He will not be satisfied with remaining on the bench for another season, and he is expected to push for an exit when the transfer window opens in the coming months.
The England international is one of the best in the business on his day, and he will not be short of suitors in his bid to move to where he is guaranteed a starting berth.
