Mikel Arteta lays down international challenge to Arsenal 23-year-old

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Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said that his goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, needs to ensure he keeps performing to the level he is in order to challenge Jordan Pickford for the England number one spot.

Pickford is firmly lodged in as Gareth Southgate’s first-choice for the Three Lions. He performed well in the summer and for now, remains the main man in the sticks for England.

However, Ramsdale has made a positive start to life at Arsenal. He has dislodged Bernd Leno as the number one, and built a good reputation for himself already among the supporters.

And when asked before this weekend’s clash with Crystal Palace about Ramsdale’s chances of dislodging Pickford, Arteta insisted he just needs to keep going.

“He needs to keep performing like what he’s done and always try to think about what he’s doing right, and then continue to do those things, be humble and think about the things he can improve. Then, everything will come naturally, as has already happened very early on with him, to be a goalkeeper with his age and his career,” Arteta told his press conference.

“He deserves that because of how he’s handled every step along the way. Some of them have been difficult moments and disappointments, which are important as well to evolve in your career.”

Ramsdale endured a nightmare season with Sheffield United last term. His signing at Arsenal was greeted with disdain among many. However, he has quickly turned things around, with three clean-sheets from four.

TBR’s View: Arsenal the focus for Ramsdale

Arteta is right here with his comments on Ramsdale. All he can do is keep going and make sure he’s in good form for Arsenal. When the time comes, he’ll get his chance with England no doubt.

Pickford, to be fair to him, has been exceptional at international level for some time now. It would, then, take a big effort to dislodge him.

But Ramsdale has made the perfect start at Arsenal and with a bit of luck, could well jump the queue eventually.