In the final week of the summer transfer window, Southampton completed the massive signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in a £25 million transfer move. Previously, the Saints had agreed a deal with Dutch side Feyenoord to sign promising goalkeeper Justin Bijlow on a season long loan transfer with an option to buy next season. However, that move was called off by the clubs and Russell Martin’s side reached an agreement with Arsenal to bring Ramsdale to the St. Mary’s Stadium.
Ramsdale joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021 and became one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in his debut season with Mikel Arteta’s side. The next season was also good however, Arsenal brought David Raya on a season long loan move from Brentford as Ramsdale wasn’t great playing the ball from his own half. Raya performed well at Arsenal with his passing and ball distribution from the defence which led Ramsdale to be the second choice goalkeeper for Arsenal.
Ramsdale talks about the expectations from him at Southampton
This season, Ramsdale has joined Southampton and he has the chance to perform good regularly and bring his career back on track and become one of the best goalkeepers for England. He made his Saints debut in the 3-1 defeat against Brentford, but looked impressive and good with his ball distribution while making passes from the defence. Now, speaking on his responsibilities and expectations at Southampton this season, Ramsdale said,
“The way the staff want to play, they want to play football. I knew a lot about them from their time at Swansea and MK Dons. He wants to play football and keep the ball on the ground in open play. They want to create overloads. The play-off final was a testament to that.”
– Aaron Ramsdale
Southampton have been trying to play out from the back to create chances from their build up play this season. This tactical setup hasn’t been good in the first four matches, as Southampton have made several misplaced passes while trying to advance the ball forward down the pitch. This is an area which manager Russell Martin and the team needs to improve during the international break as they have faced three defeats from their first three Premier League matches.
Hence, Ramsdale and the defence needs to put up a great performance in the next Premier League match against Manchester United at home after the international break.
