Eddie Howe says he is very impressed with summer signing's professionalism after being desperate to join Newcastle United
Of all of Newcastle United's summer signings, one probably has the right more than others to feel extremely frustrated right now, and it's not the one who has yet to make his debut.
While Yoane Wissa is yet to kick a ball for Newcastle, we'd say that Aaron Ramsdale has more right to be frustrated than him right now as the keeper, on loan from Southampton, will know he's good enough to be first-choice at most clubs.
So far, Ramsdale has had to make do with being Newcastle's goalkeeper in the Carabao Cup, with both of his appearances so far coming in that competition.
In those two games, though, Ramsdale has shown just how good he is. In the game against Bradfor,d we were impressed with his distribution and calmness with the ball at his feet, and while he did show that again last night against Tottenham, he also showed his shot-stopping abilities with a couple of fine saves in the second half.
Eddie Howe says Aaron Ramsdale was 'desperate' to join Newcastle this summer
Speaking after the game last night, Eddie Howe praised Ramsdale for his professionalism while also saying that the 27-year-old was desperate to join the Magpies this summer.
“Yeah, he was very good tonight, Aaron. I was really, really pleased with the big save he made in the second half. I thought that was an outstanding reflex save and showed his agility and his power. He distributed the ball really well, I think that’s one of his big strengths.
“We’ve known Aaron for a long time and I think the big thing for him coming to this club was that he wanted to come. He was desperate to join us, and he’s acted that way ever since as well.
“There’s been no hint of frustration or negativity in the fact that he’s not played as much as he wants to. He wants to play more. He’s supported Nick really well but he’s been really positive. His energy’s been really good around the group.
“I think because of all that attention he’s focused on his training and his work with the goalkeeper coaches, which has been excellent, he then produces a performance like he did tonight. So, a really, really big moment for him and I’m delighted for him.”
There's no option or obligation to buy in Aaron Ramsdale's loan deal
Nick Pope has barely put a foot wrong this season, and whether that's something to do with him having Ramsdale breathing down his neck, we're not sure, but it can only be seen as a good thing having two keepers of that standard available.
Ramsdale is on a season-long loan after the Magpies missed out on primary target James Trafford, but so far, Ramsdale looks to be earning himself a permanent move in the summer.
There's no option or obligation to buy inserted into the loan deal, at least that we know of, but if he impresses enough, we're sure newcastle will try to make the move permanent, and if Southampton fail to get promoted this season, that would likely make it all the easier to accomplish.
