Sheffield United captain, Billy Sharp, has been speaking to the press ahead of Coventry City today and was afforded the chance to have his say on Arsenal and England ‘keeper, Aaron Ramsdale.
United sold Ramsdale to the Gunners in the summer for around £30m. It was a necessary sale for the Blades board, who had made no secret of their need to recoup some cash following relegation.
However, few expected Ramsdale to enjoy the quick rise he has. After initially dislodging Bernd Leno as Arsenal number one, the former United stopper is now on his way to removing Jordan Pickford at England level.
Character
Ramsdale, 23, won his first Three Lions cap in midweek as England hammered San Marino. And Sharp, speaking to the media today, has backed his former teammate to become the permanent number one for England.
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“I’m delighted for him. He’s a great lad who had a tough time of things during the first half of last year. Under a lot of pressure obviously because of Hendo (Dean Henderson) doing so well,” Sharp commented.
“His character is the reason why I think he’s where he is now. He’s got the Arsenal number one jersey as his own and I think if he keeps his Arsenal form up, no disrespect to Jordan Pickford but I think he’ll be England’s number one anyway.”
Ramsdale will face trickier tests in the future than San Marino. He had just a single save to make all evening, as England hit double figures.
Presence
You have to hand it to Aaron Ramsdale, much like Billy Sharp has here. Ever since leaving Bramall Lane, he’s gone from strength to strength. He’s well-liked at Arsenal, and fans – despite not being impressed by his signing – have really taken to him.
We saw it in bits at United but Ramsdale seems to have a real presence about him at times. He’s vocal, commanding, and crucially, makes big saves in big moments for the Gunners.
Sheffield United still got a good deal for Ramsdale, though. £30m at the time was needed, and nobody can say it wasn’t a fair price.
As Sharp says, it’s good to see ‘Rambo’ doing well and ultimately, proving a number of doubters – including us here – wrong.
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