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I feel that it is essential that I start this article with a confession, not a very exciting one, but something that I need to say! I was and remain a huge fan of Aaron Ramsdale and when Mikel decided to supplement our squad with a loan deal for recently promoted Brentford\u2019s \u2018keeper, I was confused to say the least. My state of mind was then further befuddled when he announced that the new guy would be an considered as an equal to Rambo, before I turned completely apoplectic when it became clear that David Raya was actually going to be our first choice between the sticks and Aaron was relegated to our \u2018Cup goalie\u2019.<\/p>\n
It just made no sense to me. Yes, Ramsdale made a few errors, but every keeper does. Yes his distribution from the back could be questionable. But the positives massively outwayed the negatives and I was convinced that he would be our Number one number 1 for many years to come. But, I was wrong and once again Mikel proved that he knows more about football than I do \u2013 yes I do realise that this is a statement of the bloody obvious!! The old saying goes \u201cyou don\u2019t appreciate what you\u2019ve got until its gone\u201d, but this was a case of \u201cyou don\u2019t appreciate what you were missing until you\u2019ve got it\u201d<\/p>\n
We all know that the glory boys at the top end of the pitch are the ones that tend to get the plaudits, but they can only flourish when they are properly supported from behind. It\u2019s the extra couple of yards that Willo or Jurien or big Gabi gain by striding out from the back that give Declan or the two Martins the extra couple of feet to operate in and its that little bit of space that gives the boys up top the advantage over the opposition defence. None of that can happen without a solid stopper who can not only get the ball rolling, but also be relied on to sweep up should the move break down in any of its phases. When you add in the swift, flat, kick out of the hands that can bypass both the high press and the opposition CDMs then you you have a genuine 11 man attacke.<\/p>\n