Aaron Ramsdale's Dad Opens Up About His Son's Absence from Arsenal Starting XI
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Aaron Ramsdale has been a revelation for Arsenal ever since his summer 2021 arrival, but the 25-year-old goalkeeper has found himself out of the starting XI this season after the arrival of David Raya. Ramsdale's dad, Nick, has opened up about his son's absence from the team and admitted he has "lost that smile" ever since his place as No.1 was taken.
The summer signing of Raya, which could cost up to £27million next summer, raised eyebrows and his performances have been less than impressive against and . Nick Ramsdale has admitted it has been difficult to watch his son lose his place and he has found it difficult to accept.
"Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens, an injury or a sending-off," Nick said. "Even though the way it’s been done, in my eyes, it's been wrong and we can talk about that, but it’s the decision. Aaron’s lost that smile to when he was holding onto that ball at this moment in time."
Despite the disappointment, Aaron has remained professional and put on a brave face throughout this period on the bench. He has admitted to feeling frustrated but has praised his teammate for pushing him in training.
"We push each other in training and there are days where I come in and I’m down because of the situation and he picks me up," Ramsdale recently said. "And for whatever reason, there might be a day where he’s down and even though I’m suffering and hurting for not playing, I have to stand up and be able to push him."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has repeatedly stated he does not view Ramsdale as a No.2 goalkeeper and bought Raya to increase the level of competition at the club. The 41-year-old has also said he has wanted to substitute his goalkeepers in previous matches, but has never had the heart to do so.
It remains to be seen whether Ramsdale will be given a chance to reclaim his place in the Arsenal starting XI, but his dad's words suggest he is still determined to fight for it. With the Champions League and Europa League back on the schedule, there is still plenty of opportunity for the 25-year-old to prove his worth and regain his smile.
