Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has had a difficult season this year and he has struggled for regular game time.
The North London club decided to sign David Raya from Brentford at the start of the season and the Spanish goalkeeper has been the first-choice shot-stopper for the North London outfit.
Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel has now urged Ramsdale to move on and join a club where he will play regularly next season. He believes that Ramsdale is too good to sit on the bench at Arsenal and he must seek an exit this summer.
The former Premier League goalkeeper added that Arsenal’s decision to pick Raya as their first-choice keeper is correct and the Spaniard is a better fit for their style of play. Apart from his ability on the ball, his judgement and decision-making when it comes to dealing with set pieces and opposition counterattacks make him a good fit for Arsenal.
Friedel said via Metro: “I think the stats back Mikel Arteta’s decision. I mean, it’s close. We’re talking about two fantastic goalkeepers.
“I think when you look at the stats – and they’re non-subjective stats so it’s not just about who we like better – the biggest difference is David Raya’s shot-preventing value.
“It’s remarkable how quick his feet are when he’s coming out for crosses or sweeping up. That really separated him from Aaron Ramsdale and with the way Arsenal play that might be the tipping point of why they prefer Raya.
“Listen, there’s going to come a time where they are going to have to let Ramsdale go. If Raya is the long-term number one, they’ll have to let Ramsdale go.
“I think the stats back Arsenal’s faith in Raya and that’s fine, but Ramsdale is too good to be sitting on the bench.
“He should be playing somewhere and I’m sure he’ll be able to find a place to go. They’re two very, very talented goalkeepers.”
The Spaniard has firmly established himself as a key player for Arsenal and he is unlikely to be dropped any time soon. Ramsdale is unlikely to get opportunities in the league and he will probably have to be satisfied with a back up role in cup games.
The 25-year-old has proven himself to be one of the best goalkeepers in the league, and he should look to join a club where he will play every week. There is unlikely to be any shortage of clubs hoping to sign the English goalkeeper and it remains to be seen where he ends up.
The 25-year-old will be hoping to prove his quality at the highest level, and it will be interesting to see how this situation develops over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, the English keeper is still quite young and he is likely to improve with experience. Arsenal could end up regretting the decision to let him leave if he moves on.
