Football writer Charles Watts has compared new Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale with Invincibles member Jens Lehmann.
Having signed from Sheffield United over the summer, Ramsdale has made a fairly impressive start to life in north London. The young ‘keeper has seemingly already claimed the No 1 spot for himself, starting in the club’s last three league matches.
The 23-year-old also impressed in the 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, making one fine save in particular to deny Lucas Moura towards the end of the match.
While discussing Ramsdale on his YouTube channel, Watts compared the goalkeeper with Lehmann due to his big personality and presence between the sticks.
Was signing Aaron Ramsdale a clever purchase by Arsenal?
Yes
No
He said: “I thought he was great all around, his character. I loved it when [Harry] Kane went through and missed that one-on-one, if you look at the replay, Ramsdale turns around, he just screams at Kane as he goes past, just taking the mick out of him for missing.
“And he’s just got a proper sort of goalkeeper mentality, it feels. That reminds me a little bit of Jens Lehmann, the way he is and the way he commands his penalty area.
“Again, took a lot of grief, Ramsdale, when Arsenal signed him, the club took a lot of grief for paying the money to sign him, but you’ve got to admit, at the moment he’s looking like a breath of fresh air.”
TIF Thoughts on Aaron Ramsdale and Arsenal…
As impressive as Ramsdale has been in the early stage of his Arsenal career – he’s conceded just one goal in four appearances in all competitions – he has some way to go before he will catch up to Lehmann.
The German shot-stopper won both the Premier League and the FA Cup with the Gunners, while he was also a key member of the famous Invincibles squad.
Still, with Arsenal finally building momentum this season, it looks as though Ramsdale will get every chance to impress over the coming months.
On other news: ‘I’m utterly convinced’ – Watts tips ‘priority signing’ at Arsenal next summer