Aaron Ramsdale father says son has ‘lost that smile’ after losing place to David Raya

Ramsdale helped the Gunners finish second in the Premier League last season

Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s father says his son has “lost that smile” since losing his place to David Raya.

Ramsdale started the first four Premier League games for Arsenal this season but has since been replaced by Raya.

England boss Gareth Southgate has told Ramsdale he cannot promise him a Euro 2024 place if he stays on the bench.

“Aaron’s lost that smile that he showed when he was holding on to that ball,” Nick Ramsdale told the The Highbury Corner podcast.external-link

“It is difficult. It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying ‘you need to keep smiling’.”

Ramsdale, 25, played in all of the Gunners’ 38 league games last season as they finished second in the Premier League.

He signed a new long-term contract with the London club in May, but he has been usurped by Raya since the Spaniard joined Arsenal on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move from Brentford in the summer.

Ramsdale’s last top-flight outing this season was a 3-1 win against Manchester United and he has since been limited to two Carabao Cup appearances.

Raya has been unconvincing in his performances but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stuck with the 28-year-old, despite saying he had no number one in any position in August.

Arteta has also warned Ramsdale not to rush any decision over his future after falling out of favour.

“It’s possibly the way it’s been done. Not knowing the reason why, and this is me because we don’t know why,” added Ramsdale’s dad.

“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 to win the league.

“It is me talking personally. I’m probably saying too much but 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.”