Darren Bent has claimed that the ‘brilliant’ Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is outperforming Everton’s Jordan Pickford this season, as he told talkSPORT (26/10/21 at 9:40 am).
The former striker thinks Ramsdale is ‘exactly what Arsenal needed’ and he can now challenge Pickford on the international stage.
Everton’s shot-stopper holds the number one gloves for England and has done for a number of years now, including at Euro 2020.
Whatever people think of Pickford’s performances in the colours of Everton, one thing is for sure, the £30 million player (Sky Sports) is a different animal all together for his country.
But Bent thinks Ramsdale is ahead of him on the domestic stage and Arsenal’s new boy has been a ‘leader’ for the Gunners since his big-money move.
“I think he can challenge,” said Bent. “He has been brilliant since he has gone to Arsenal. He is exactly what Arsenal needed. A leader and a real character on the pitch.
“But one thing Jordan Pickford has in his favour is that Gareth Southgate trusts him. One thing Pickford also has on his side is the distribution – Pickford’s feet are incredible.
“But, in terms of playing club football, Aaron Ramsdale has been better than him.”
There’s no doubt that Ramsdale is at the top of his game right now and proving to be a top purchase by Arsenal.
But he will have to do a lot to dislodge Pickford as England’s number one keeper.
Pickford can be rightfully criticised all day for his Everton performances, because they are mixed, but during the past four years, he has been outstanding for his country and he hasn’t put a foot wrong.
At the World Cup in Russia and at Euro 2020, he has proven to be a standout performer, so Ramsdale needs to do it over a longer period before he can really knock Pickford’s door down.
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