RAM RAIDER
Keeper Ramsdale has been vital to Arsenal’s resurgence, says Wilson
EXCLUSIVE
By HARRY PRATT
ARSENAL are flying – just like their acrobatic ace between the posts, Aaron Ramsdale.
It is now eight clean sheets in 15 league appearances for the sensational England keeper and what a platform that is providing for Mikel Arteta’s in-form top-four contenders.
And few have been more impressed with the remarkable rise of Ramsdale in N5 than Arsenal legend Bob Wilson.
The 1971 Double-winning keeper and former Gunners coach for 28 years has watched in awe as the club’s £30million signing has produced one stunning save after another.
What particularly stands out to Wilson is the way Ramsdale seemingly defies gravity.
He may be only 6ft2in, but the ex-sheffield United and Bournemouth man’s agility negates that as he somehow gets additional leverage while flinging himself in mid-air.
Wilson, 80, said: “It is extraordinary. He’s roughly the same height as I was in my prime, but that’s not tall for the modern keeper.
“Yet he has this incredible gymnastic, athletic ability, which is so rare. He just takes off and then propels himself while in the air that little bit further to make a save.
“It’s like he’s on a trampoline. He makes saves that others cannot make, and that element is beyond all else.
“Peter Schmeichel called his save at Leicester one of the greatest he’s seen – that’s high praise from one of the greatest keepers of all. And David Seaman, who I coached at Arsenal and still know very well, is equally impressed.
“Aaron may not have the presence of David or Pat Jennings in his area – but then who could?
“What he does have, though, is this intensity, from the first minute to the last. He never stops. He is a character with great courage. That’s massive.
“It’s why the Arsenal fans have fallen in love with him after 15 games or so. He connects with them and creates this energy.“
Wilson played more than
400 times for
Arsenal between
1963 and
1974
– and is equally complimentary regards Ramsdale’s unwavering focus on always expecting the unexpected.
“Being a keeper, I study what Aaron does when the ball is down the other end – and he simply never switches off,” explained Wilson.
“A keeper should never stop watching the game, must be prepared for a shot from anywhere. Aaron has this about him. It’s something that is natural.”
The only quibble is Ramsdale’s dressing-down of his defenders.
“He’s too visible when rollicking someone,” said Wilson. “Aaron sees everything from his position, but must not go over the top.”