Ramsdale told why he ‘shouldn’t be Arsenal captain’

Joe Williams
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale shouts instructions

Charlie Nicholas doesn’t think there’s a “standout option” to become Arsenal captain with Aaron Ramsdale playing in the wrong position.

Ramsdale moved to the Gunners from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window following the Blades’ relegation to the Championship.

He has made a great impression during the first half of the season, making numerous key saves and becoming a fan favourite with his character on and off the pitch.


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However, Arsenal legend Nicholas doesn’t want to see the Gunners’ captain come from the goalkeeping position.

Nicholas told MyBettingSites: “Aaron Ramsdale shouldn’t be Arsenal’s captain because he’s a goalkeeper. His character has been absolutely spot on and it’s been a real treat.

“He arrived with a lot of doubters because of his price tag but he’s ambitious, hungry and wants to prove that he belongs here. He’s been first class for Arsenal, has the captain’s instinct and he’s an organiser. That’s a positive Arsenal can build on.

“Ben White has real quality and he’s going to be a top player for the Gunners, but in his interviews, it comes across as though he’s not fussed about being the main man. He’s quite soft in his approach to the game off the pitch and that’s just the kind of person he is.”

Nicholas added: “Kieran Tierney is a competitive individual. He’s dedicated and does what he’s asked to do for the team. Six weeks ago, Nuno Tavares was playing so well that it looked like Tierney would struggle to get back into the side but now he’s cemented his position again. Kieran Tierney would be a natural captain.

“This has been a problem previously for Arsenal. Unai Emery let players decide the captaincy but that shouldn’t happen, coaches simply must decide. Club captains don’t need to be the nicest or most popular guy in the dressing room.

“Nice guys will try and keep everybody happy, and that’s not what you need. They must have a competitive edge, there must be fallouts. That’s why Alexandre Lacazette has been a good captain.

“Thomas Partey has taken a while to get himself fit. He has quality and that’s the position I would like the captain to be, but he’s not that type of player. Arsenal have an issue with that position and in the summer, that’s one they’ll address. They might look to move Granit Xhaka on and replace him with someone who has leadership qualities.

“There’s no standout option at Arsenal for club captain.”