‘Super-competitive’: Ramsdale says 21-year-old and 23-year-old work so hard in Arsenal training
Aaron Ramsdale has praised Arsenal teammates Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson for how hard both work in training.
The Gunners goalkeeper, speaking to the Arsenal media team, discussed the intense competition within the squad.
Mikel Arteta has done a great job of improving the strength in depth and competition within the Arsenal ranks.
Now, there are battles for first-team spots emerging in most of the positions.
Indeed, the likes of Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu have struggled for game time this term.
Last season, both were undisputed first-choices at left-back and right-back respectively.
And while Arteta’s starting XI pretty much picks itself now, the first-choice players must work hard for it.
For example, Martinelli has cemented his spot on the left side of the front three.
However, Ramsdale revealed just how hard the 21-year-old has to work for his place.
The Arsenal keeper spoke of how much Nelson pushes Martinelli as he looks to take his spot in the XI.
“I think it’s only more pronounced for us (goalkeepers) because only one of us plays,” Ramsdale said.
“It’s still super competitive with the likes of, for instance Reiss Nelson and Gabi Martinelli.
“That’s a big battle on the training pitch and both players give it their all every single session.
“But at the end of the day, Reiss could still play as well if Gabi plays.”
OUR VIEW
Martinelli and Nelson are both quality players who look set for long stays at the Emirates.
The former recently signed a long-term contract at Arsenal, while the latter could soon follow suit.
Martinelli and Nelson are just two of a numbers of Gunners players who the club can depend on for a bright future.
It’s great to hear about just how hard they – and likely the whole squad – work in training.
