With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealing his move to Barcelona, Mikel Arteta’s side have been tasked with replacing him, not just in terms of his on-the-pitch contribution but also his captaincy. Although his leadership skills were understandably questioned at times and ultimately formed part of the reason as to why the forward departed the club, it’s still a blow for any team to lose its captain.
The circumstances surrounding Aubameyang’s departure will probably never be made clear to Gunners fans, with speculation rife and an evident fallout between both player and manager. There was always going to be one winner, though, especially given the momentum Mikel Arteta is building up as manager of one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.
Now, the bright Spanish boss will be assessing his players ahead of appointing a permanent, long-term captain next campaign. Until then, Alexandre Lacazette will remain as the club’s captain until the end of the season, but with his long-term future in doubt and many fans wanting a young and hungry captain to step in next season, there are a few candidates emerging.
One player that has stood out since signing for Arsenal is Aaron Ramsdale, the youngster that has established himself as a fan-favourite since joining the club from Sheffield United. With Mikel Arteta potentially searching for a long-term solution, below is a look at some key reasons as to why Ramsdale is the ideal candidate for the role.
Ramsdale is a commanding presence
After an impressive start to his career at Arsenal, Aaron Ramsdale has won the respect of both the manager and his teammates. It’s no coincidence that since he has replaced Bernd Leno in between the sticks, Arsenal’s defence has looked far stronger overall. As such, the Gunners are able to build from the back and offer opponents with a tougher unit to break down. Ramsdale’s chean sheets have made the club a solid pick for the Top-4 race, as they are 6/5 to secure a Champions League spot in the Premier League betting at 888 Sport.
Essentially, Arteta’s side is a more reliable team to put faith in, with Ramsdale epitomising the improved attitude and determination the squad now has. He is an organiser, he’s incredibly vocal, and clearly adores playing for the club. An all-round commanding presence and a player that has already done a great job with the defence in terms of its organisation and hunger to keep clean sheets, Ramsdale is showcasing his leadership skills on a weekly basis.
The fans love him
Wherever he has been, Ramsdale has been adored by the fans. Even AFC Wimbledon fans regard him as a club legend following a loan spell there in which the Englishman contributed greatly towards the club’s League One survival. Then, despite being relegated with both, Bournemouth and Sheffield United fans were sad to see him go. A likeable character who always gives his all and interacts with the fans whenever he can, not many captains of Arsenal have been as adored.
For instance, should Arteta give the captaincy to Xhaka once again next season, the fans will be left feeling baffled. It would seem like a backwards step. With the club on the cusp of a creating something special, now is the time to appoint a young and hungry leader. When assessing the other captaincy candidates, no other player comes close to Ramsdale in that respect.
Future England number one
Ramsdale’s form hasn’t gone unnoticed by England boss Gareth Southgate. His impressive performances at the north London club have alerted the Three Lions staff, resulting in a call-up and a subsequent debut for the national side in the 10-0 win over San Marino. His stock is rising and it’s only a matter of time before the youngster will be termed as one of England’s biggest stars. With that in mind, he’s the perfect player to lead Arsenal into a new and potentially fruitful era.
