Lee Dixon has claimed that Aaron Ramsdale has ‘surprised’ people with the manner in which he has performed at Arsenal, as he told Premier League Productions.
The former Highbury hero has praised the ‘level of consistency’ the Arsenal 23-year-old has brought to the table.
When Mikel Arteta brought the England keeper to north London last summer, many questioned the transfer and the fee that was being put on the table.
But, just like Ben White, the shot-stopper has proved many doubters wrong with his performances this season.
Dixon shared his thoughts on the player and especially his distribution from the back.
“He has surprised a few people with his level of consistency,” said Dixon. “His distribution. He takes five players out with one pass. And he is doing this all season. It’s not just a one-off.
“Straightway, he is looking around to try and bypass that press – once you go past the first line of most teams’ press, then the pitch opens up.
“We have seen it with Ederson. He can just open a team up with one pass and Ramsdale has got the ability as well to communicate with his defenders and tell them what’s going on.
“The fact that he plays right on the edge of the box is why Arsenal can play a high line. They have got that safety blanket behind. They are confident with him.”
Whilst Arsenal suffered defeats from their opening three matches this season, it needs to be remembered that Ramsdale wasn’t playing then.
The England international was on the bench, with Arteta sticking with the club’s former number one, Bernd Leno.
The timing of that couldn’t have been any perfect because that’s when the Gunners, alongside their new signings, started to motor.
But what has been a very good season for the club, they will be hoping it’s not troubled by them losing fourth spot
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