Aaron Ramsdale’s father, Nick, has criticised Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for not having the courtesy of informing his son why he has been dropped in favor of David Raya.
England goalkeeper Ramsdale had begun as the regular starter in Arsenal’s first four Premier League games, but has since been relegated to the bench following Raya’s arrival on loan from Brentford.
According toThe Highbury Corner podcast, the senior Ramsdale said his son had “lost his smile” and was finding it difficult after not having been given an explanation by Arteta for having been dropped to the bench.
Nick Ramsdale said: “Aaron’s lost that smile to when he was holding on to that ball at this moment in time and it is difficult.
“It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying ‘you need to keep smiling’.”
He added: “It’s possibly the way it’s been done. Not knowing the reason why, and this is me because we don’t know why. Again, Aaron is working as hard as he can. He’s trying to do his best for the squad. He’s upbeat and he’ll do everything for Arsenal to try and win the league.”
England keeper Ramsdale signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners in May, but his position has apparently been usurped by Raya and played second fiddle since the Spaniard arrived in August on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.
Nick added: “Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens, an injury or a sending-off. Aaron’s got to live with that and he is living with that even though he’s not been told it. By anybody.”