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Mikel Arteta backs Aaron Ramsdale to be England’s number one at World Cup

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, after Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, after Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /
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Mikel Arteta firmly believes that his goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, deserves to be England’s number one at the World Cup later this year.

Ramsdale’s signing in 2021 was criticised by many, but he immediately endeared himself to the Emirates faithful after quickly displacing Bernd Leno’s as Arteta’s first-choice shot-stopper.

His infectious personality and razor-sharp reflexes have seen Ramsdale blossom into a fan favourite in north London, while his ball-playing ability added another dimension to Arsenal’s build-up play under their Spanish boss.

Ramsdale’s impressive form during the first half of the 2021/22 season saw him earn his maiden England call-up and start in November 2021. The Arsenal man has since earned three caps for the Three Lions.

Mikel Arteta backs Aaron Ramsdale to be England’s number one at World Cup

Arsenal, Aaron Ramsdale
Mikel Arteta has backed Aaron Ramsdale to be England’s number one in Qatar. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Ramsdale was named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for England’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Germany and Italy.

It’s a huge opportunity for the 24-year-old to assert himself in the England set-up with usual number one Jordan Pickford out injured. Pickford has performed heroically for Southgate’s side at the two most recent major tournaments, and displacing him will be no easy task.

Arsenal boss Arteta, however, believes Ramsdale deserves to be England’s number one in Qatar at the World Cup later this year.

“It would be a good reward for him for what he has done,” the Spaniard said ahead of the Gunners’ 3-0 victory over Brentford on Sunday.

“I hope he is [picked for the World Cup]. I think it would be great for us and Aaron. He showed in the last year what he is capable of doing. We will be watching and waiting for that decision.”

Ramsdale has kept three clean sheets in seven Premier League games for Arsenal this season, and the Gunners’ ever-improving defence has meant he hasn’t quite been as busy as he was last season. Nevertheless, Ramsdale has produced a couple of big saves already this term, most notably in the victories over Crystal Palace and Fulham.

While a strong argument could be made for Ramsdale being the best goalkeeper England has to offer, it’s hard to envisage Pickford losing his number one status in Qatar. We know how much Southgate values loyalty.

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