Arsenal legend Thierry Henry advises Ramsdale on his future amid goalkeeping competition
Famous forward Thierry Henry has provided goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale advice on his job at the club. Ramsdale, who had been Arsenal’s uncontested number one since joining from Sheffield United two years ago, has found himself on the bench for six of the previous seven games, with the signing of David Raya from Brentford providing a new layer of competition for the goalkeeper position.
Henry, a well-known figure at Arsenal, believes Ramsdale is facing an important decision over his future. The Arsenal legend suggested that Ramsdale either rise to the challenge and compete for his spot, or explore a move to another prominent club where he may earn regular playing time.
“You are at a big club. Competition will happen,” Henry stated in a podcast. “I am not the coach of Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta went to get a guy that he thinks will win him the title.
“Aaron Ramsdale was seen as the guy to get us in the top four again and Bernd Leno went to Fulham. That is the story of football. I can understand with the new generation but there is something that will never change at a big club, you have got to compete. If you don’t compete, someone is going to come.
“If you take Phil Foden, he is a very good player but Manchester City keep buying players. You are at a big club and that’s how it is, and if you are not happy at the big club, then you have got to go.”
The recent choice by manager Mikel Arteta to choose Raya over Ramsdale has led to disagreement among fans and experts alike. Raya has made memorable appearances, including a critical 1-0 win over Manchester City in the North London Derby. Arteta has made it clear that he is open to rotate goalkeepers, which may have an impact on Ramsdale’s long-term intentions.
“It’s like this,” Arteta said. “I’m a really young manager. I’ve been in this job for three-and-a-half years and I have few regrets with what I’ve done. One of them was that in two occasions, I felt after 60 minutes and 85 minutes, in two games, in this period, to change the keeper in that moment. But I didn’t do it. I didn’t have the courage to do it. But I’m able to take a winger, or a striker, or but a central defender on to drop to a five and hold that result.
“We drew those games and I was so unhappy. Someone is going to do it, and maybe it will be [me]. That’s strange? Why? Why not? We have all the qualities in another goalkeeper to do something when something is happening and you want to change momentum. Do it. It’s a regret that I have.
“Now my feeling is to get everybody engaged in the team. They have to play, regardless of the competition. We have to do it. This is my message.”
As speculation about Ramsdale’s next move increases, Henry highlighted the significance of player pleasure and urged Ramsdale to prioritize his professional goals. The goalie is now faced with a critical decision that could affect his career in sports.
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