Mikel Arteta backs Aaron Ramsdale to become England No1 after ‘incredible’ save in Leicester win

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told Aaron Ramsdale his dream of becoming England No1 will happen one day if he stays focused and keeps up his brilliant performances.

Ramsdale has been excellent for Arsenal this season after joining them in the summer from Sheffield United for a deal that could be worth £30million in the future.

The goalkeeper was in fine form against Leicester City on Saturday, helping Arsenal secure a 2-0 win with a number of excellent saves.

Ramsdale has already boldly declared he wants to be England No1 at the Qatar World Cup and Arteta thinks that is possible if he keeps working hard.

“I would say, I think when you dream big it is always positive,” he said.

“Keep your feet on the earth. There are people who make those decisions and he needs to be doing what he is doing every day - train the way he trains, look after himself the way he trains, have that mentality he has and put in performances. And the rest will come.”

Ramsdale made a number of fine saves against Leicester, but the pick of the bunch was his one to keep out James Maddison’s free-kick just before half-time.

“I have just seen a picture, not the video. When I saw the ball leaving Maddison’s foot I said: ‘Goal’,” said Arteta.

“I don’t know how it happened, it was incredible. The moment and the timing of it as well, it was crucial.”

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal coughed up £30m when Ramsdale, but so far he has proved his critics wrong.

“We invest money in talent and people that we believe can be great for the future of the club,” he said.

“We made that decision based on that. He has had some really encouraging performances, today he made some incredible saves and he needs to continue to do that.

“In football you have to play for 50 games and 20 years and it is only the start.”

Read More

Arteta unsure when Tierney will return: ‘He’s still in pain’

Arteta confident Arsenal duo Aubameyang, Lacazette can thrive as pair

Arteta still confident Arsenal made right decision over Saliba loan