Graeme Souness cites Manchester United star Harry Maguire example to Aaron Ramsdale
Graeme Souness, the former Liverpool star and current pundit, recently shared his insights on Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s situation, drawing parallels with Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
Souness suggested that Ramsdale, who lost his starting spot to David Raya, should take inspiration from the Manchester United duo. He highlighted Maguire’s resilience in facing criticism and disappointment, noting how the defender bounced back to reclaim his place in the team.
Similarly, Souness pointed to Scott McTominay, who was seemingly on his way out at the start of the season but has since become a regular in the side. Souness emphasized the mental challenge faced by Ramsdale and the often cruel and unfair nature of top-level sports.
Aaron Ramsdale, an undisputed first-choice goalkeeper last season, finds himself in a challenging situation, one that demands mental fortitude and a commitment to self-improvement. Souness’s message is clear – emulate Maguire.
By looking at Maguire and McTominay’s journey at Manchester United, Ramsdale can find inspiration and motivation to reclaim his spot as Arsenal’s number one. However, it is easier said than done, especially for a goalkeeper.
Writing for The Mail, here is what Souness had to say about Raamsdale’s situation at Arsenal
“The Arsenal goalkeeper has to show what he is made of and deal with the situation in which he finds himself. Mikel Arteta fancies David Raya more than he does Ramsdale right now, but that can change. I would ask him to look at the example of Harry Maguire. He took all the criticism on the chin, all the disappointment. He dealt with it and finds himself back in the team at Manchester United. Scott McTominay, too”
“He was being pushed out the door at the start of the season, and now he’s in the side. That’s football. For Ramsdale, this a tough, mental challenge. He cannot point to anything he’s done wrong on a consistent basis that has cost him his place in the team. Sport at the highest level can be cruel and can be seen to be unfair.”
This perspective offers a valuable lesson not only for Ramsdale but also for young athletes everywhere. It underscores the importance of perseverance, the ability to handle criticism constructively, and the need to stay focused on personal growth despite external circumstances.
For Manchester United fans, the resurgence of Maguire and McTominay is a testament to the club’s ethos of nurturing resilience and grit among its players. To be fair, they were helped by injuries a fair bit.
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Ramsdale is a talented goalie and would no doubt regain his starting berth really soon. He has too much quality to be warming the bench though. Let’s see how his future pans out.
