David Seaman, Arsenal’s great goalkeeper, believes that English goalie Aaron Ramsdale is too talented to remain a second fiddle at the Emirates Stadium.
Since the Spanish goalkeeper came on loan at the Emirates during the summer transfer window, David Raya has taken Ramsdale’s place.
So far this season, Raya has made eight Premier League games against Ramsdale’s four, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shown that he prefers Raya over the English goalie.
Raya has played in each of Arsenal’s four Champions League games so far. He has appeared in 12 games in all competitions, keeping 6 clean sheets and conceding 9 goals.
Ramsdale, who was Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, has played 7 times in all competitions, recording 2 clean sheets and conceding 8 goals.
Ramsdale’s father, Nick Ramsdale, recently stated that his son had “lost his smile” as a result of Raya taking his position. In the midst of this, Arteta has cautioned the English goalkeeper not to make any rash judgments about his future.
While he continues to play second fiddle at Arsenal, David Seaman is concerned that his chances of making the England selection for Euro 2024 are fading.
“If he’s not playing [for Arsenal], it’s going to affect his [England] chances,” Seaman, who won three Premier League titles during his 13-year tenure at Arsenal, told the BBC.
“Going into next summer, where Aaron is pushing to become England goalkeeper – he needs to be playing.”
David Raya joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford during the summer transfer window, and his loan agreement includes a permanent option.
Because Arsenal is playing Brentford at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aaron Ramsdale would have the unusual opportunity to start ahead of Raya. Loanees are not permitted to play against their parent clubs under Premier League rules.
“If Aaron goes in at the weekend, then he’s left out for the next game, then we know who Mikel’s number one is,” he said.
“This isn’t good for Aaron.” There’s no mistake about it: he’s a world-class goalkeeper.”
