28 August 2021, 00:21 | 28 August 2021, 00:39
At just 23 years old, English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has already built up an impressive amount of experience in different environments on route to the biggest move of his career in joining Arsenal from recently relegated Sheffield United.
Traversing the leagues via mixed loan spells
Capped for England at U18 through to U21 level, he started his career in Sheffield before moving on to AFC Bournemouth in January 2017 when they were flying high in the Premier League. It would be a couple more years before he made his full debut for the south coast club, however, enjoying loan spells at lower league clubs in the meantime. The first of these was Chesterfield, with whom his regular playing career got off to a rocky start as they were relegated from League Two down to the National League in 2018.
2019 would fare much better for Ramsdale as he made his next loan move to AFC Wimbledon. In contrast to his experience at Chesterfield, he helped turn Wimbledon's fortunes around during his 20 appearances for the club, playing a major role in saving them from relegation in League One. He even won the club's Young Player of the Season award, proving a big hit with fans.
More Player of the Year awards... and relegations
It was during the 2019-20 season that Ramsdale truly broke through, making his full Premier League debut for Bournemouth on the opening day against (who else?) Sheffield United. He quickly established himself as their number one choice in goal, eventually being named Player of the Year by the club's fans. Unfortunately, Bournemouth were eventually relegated but few could blame Ramsdale for his efforts at the back.
Then came a move back to boyhood club Sheffield United for £18.5 million in August 2020, for whom consistently high performances would lead to him winning both Young Player and regular Player of the Year awards. Such was his popularity that once again no one could blame him for another relegation.
With three out of four relegations under his belt since 2018, Arsenal of course will be hoping that particular stat doesn't continue any longer. But Ramsdale's proven consistency in the game means if there's one thing they can be sure of, it's a reliable presence in goal. Jump to top