Rio Ferdinand wasn’t having any of it when it was suggested to him that Arsenal’s number one Aaron Ramsdale will go on to have a ‘better Premier League career’ than Manchester United’s David de Gea.
The Manchester United legend, who was in discussion with Arsenal fan and presenter Joel Beya, labelled that statement as ‘wild’.
It could be argued that Aaron Ramsdale has been the best-performing keeper in the Premier League this season – he has 13 clean sheets to his name as Mikel Arteta’s side still push for the title after their crucial 2-0 win at Newcastle on Sunday.
In comparison, David de Gea has helped Manchester United secure 15 clean sheets, but he has made four mistakes leading to goals this season, including against West Ham United on Sunday.
The 32-year-old is coming towards the end of his career at Old Trafford and in the summer he will have 12 months left on his contract – he has won the Premier League title, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time in English football.
That was touched upon by Ferdinand when that ‘wild’ suggestion about Ramsdale was put forward to him, as he told FIVE.
“I want to go as far as saying that when Aaron Ramsdale finishes his career, then he would have had a better Premier League career than David de Gea,” said Joel Beya.
Ferdinand responded: “Wow, wow, WOW! How many Premier Leagues has he (de Gea) won? How many UEFA Cups has he won? Does he have an FA Cup as well?! Probably got a League Cup in there. He has done the clean sweep domestically.
“I think Ramsdale has been tremendous this season. Another one who has come on leaps and bounds. Hasn’t he got two or three relegations under his belt so far?! I’m just asking. You are making big wild statements again! You did it before with Saliba. Too early. Too quick.
“This season he has made mistakes. He has made four mistakes leading to goals. The most in a season with Lloris. That’s not good – but most clean sheets (this season). The geezer has won Player of the Year at Man United I think it’s five times. What does that tell you?! He has got to be performing and playing tip-top football.”
DE GEA V RAMSDALE
Things aren’t going well for the 45-capped Spain star this season and it could result in him being replaced during the summer transfer window.
But he has enough credit in the bank to go through such a period and he does need more respect for what he has done.
When it comes to Ramsdale, the Englishman still has a long way to go, although, he is heading down the right track.
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