Aaron Ramsdale has been a Sheffield United player firmly under the spotlight this season from Blades fans.
The natural – albeit unfair – comparisons to Dean Henderson were always likely to come to the fore. Henderson was a Blades favourite and he was always going to be difficult to replace for Chris Wilder.
Ramsdale, to his credit, came out fighting initially. The goalkeeper insisting he’d be Aaron Ramsdale, and not a new Dean Henderson.
But to say it’s been a rocky ride for ‘Rambo’ would be an understatement. A couple of mistakes and a lack of confidence in a team still yet to win, haven’t helped the former Bournemouth man’s settling in period.
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However, you have to give credit where it’s due and Ramsdale put in a much-improved performance at Brighton to put the mistakes of Manchester United firmly behind him.
Signs of confidence
It wasn’t a perfect performance by Ramsdale. His misjudging of a Brighton cross nearly led to a goal for Aaron Connolly, while some might question whether he could have come and claimed the ball which led to the eventual equaliser from Danny Welbeck.
But in the main, the Blades stopper was far better than he has been. A fine second-half double save showed Ramsdale’s quick reflexes, reactions, and ability to quickly sniff out danger.
By admission, I’ve been as critical as anyone of Ramsdale at times this term. His indeciviseness, mistakes at crucial moments and a worrying lack of command of his box, has meant there’s been more than one occasion when I’ve pointed the finger.
But, I’m also delighted to give players credit when they deserve it and on this occasion, Ramsdale is fully deserving of praise.
Hopefully, the Brighton game can be a bit of a springboard not only for the entire squad, but for the man expected to be our number one for many years to come.
