David Seaman won two Premier League titles at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
David Seaman has heaped praise on ‘phenomenal’ Aaron Ramsdale and addressed Arsenal’s surprising Premier League title challenge.
Ramsdale is enjoying a superb season for the Premier League leaders, conceding less than a goal-a-game to help the Gunners move five points clear of defending champions Manchester City.
Arsenal conceded two goals in Saturday’s dramatic comeback win against Bournemouth but had Ramsdale to thank for making big saves in both halves.
Seaman says Ramsdale’s performances have been ‘amazing’ and has played down concerns that the 24-year-old engages with rival fans too much.
‘People forget he’s only 24,’ Seaman told PA. ‘So that is amazing for me because I didn’t join Arsenal until I was 26 – what he’s doing now at 24 is just phenomenal.
‘He’s making big saves all the time. There was one on Saturday at 1-0 that was world class.
‘It wasn’t like a flying save or anything like that but it was a really technical piece of goalkeeping, which he did brilliantly, and he’s been doing that all season.
Aaron Ramsdale is enjoying a superb season for the Premier League leaders (Picture: Getty)
‘There’s a confidence building in him and it is a calm confidence, because as a goalkeeper, you can’t be like flying here, there and everywhere and ranting and raving – although Peter Schmeichel made a good career doing that!
Which team has what it takes to win the Premier League this year? Arsenal or Man City?
Which team has what it takes to win the Premier League this year? Arsenal or Man City?
‘In my career I was totally the opposite, I was laid back and I wasn’t a shouter all the time, so there’s different ways and I think Aaron – he’s got a good mix and it’s his own mix as well.’
Despite starring for Arsenal since his move from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021, Ramsdale only has three caps for England and was back-up to Jordan Pickford at the Qatar World Cup.
Ramsdale has admitted he is keen for more opportunities at international level and Seaman believes he will be Gareth Southgate’s number one ‘sooner or later’.
‘Does he deserve more caps? Definitely. He only has three and he needs to build on that because he has to be able to feel comfortable playing at that level,’ Seaman added.
‘Jordan Pickford has been brilliant in an England shirt, you can’t doubt that. I wouldn’t imagine Gareth is thinking about having another number one at the moment.
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‘I imagine that Aaron will be number one at some stage and sooner or later will get that opportunity.
‘It’s different levels. When he was at Sheffield United and Bournemouth a lot of people said that was a negative because he’d been relegated twice and I was like: “No, this is playing under pressure, like massive pressure, the pressure of getting relegated”.
‘He’s got a different pressure now but he is a massive character, especially in the dressing room and on the pitch, he’s still making these big saves and his concentration levels are immaculate.’
Arsenal came from behind to beat Bournemouth last time out (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal, seeking their first league title since 2004, restored their five-point lead over Manchester City with a thrilling 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Discussing Arsenal’s title challenge, two-time Premier League winner Seaman said: ‘There’s a sign outside the dressing room, written on the wall: “This is our time” and that’s exactly what it is.
‘It is their time right now. Never mind what’s gone on before, they’ve got a chance of making it their time.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are chasing Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
‘The mentality is right at the club now – I think that’s why you see all that excitement, especially after the last-minute goal to beat Bournemouth on Saturday.
‘Everybody went crazy because they know what it means. Because there are many that haven’t been there before they’re so excited about it, but it’s about keeping that calmness as well.’
Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday night before resuming their Premier League campaign at the weekend against London rivals Fulham.
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‘What he’s doing is just phenomenal.’
