Willy Gnonto has told the Premier League’s YouTube channel that Aaron Ramsdale is a quality goalkeeper after being asked to pick between the Arsenal star and Leeds teammate Illan Meslier while playing FIFA.
Ramsdale has had a remarkable career to date. Of course, many eyebrows were raised when Arsenal spent up to £30 million on the 24-year-old. He had just been relegated from the Premier League two years in a row, with Bournemouth and Sheffield United respectively.
But Mikel Arteta saw something in him. Initially, it appeared that he was being signed as competition for Bernd Leno. But within a few weeks of his arrival, he had taken the number one spot. And he has not looked back since.
Gnonto praises Aaron Ramsdale
In fact, he is a fantastic position to now get his hands on the Premier League trophy this season.
Of course, a goalkeeper who has already made a bit of history this term is Meslier. The Frenchman became the youngest goalkeeper to reach 100 appearances in the Premier League in the weekend win at Wolves.
Gnonto was tasked with putting together a team on FIFA, with many of the choices involving one Leeds player against one of the best in the division. And between the sticks, he was asked to pick between Meslier and Ramsdale.
“Illan,” he replied.
“Yeah, of course, he’s quality,” he added when asked about Ramsdale. “And I think Illan, with our team is doing an incredible job.”
Leeds face Arsenal next
Obviously, Gnonto’s comments are particularly significant because of who lies ahead next for Javi Gracia’s men.
Leeds’ first game after the international break is Arsenal. On paper, it is about as daunting a game as we could have, with Mikel Arteta’s men leading the way in the Premier League.
Leeds have taken a little bit of the pressure off with a massive win against Wolves at the weekend. But they can also take some real belief from how they pushed the Gunners at Elland Road.
In fact, it is probably fair to say that second-half saw the poorest Arsenal performance in the opening months of the season.
Arteta’s side have gone to another level since. But Gracia has kept Leeds in each game he has overseen so far. So it could be a really intriguing battle.
Certainly, if Gnonto gets the chance to beat Ramsdale, we desperately need him to take it.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
