Aaron Ramsdale is being forced to wait very patiently for his Newcastle United debut.
The 27-year-old joined Newcastle United from Southampton during the summer transfer window, arriving on a season-long loan deal. The Magpies have the option to make the deal permanent next summer, should Ramsdale impress.
So far, he has not had the opportunity to do so. Nick Pope has started every game, keeping three clean sheets out of a possible four.
The England international is performing very well, making it difficult to see how Ramsdale is ever going to become a regular starter at St James’ Park.
According to former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster, there really is nothing the Newcastle summer signing can do.
Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale arrive at St James' Park for Newcastle United vs Wolves.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale put in an impossible position at Newcastle United
Foster has spoken about Ramsdale’s situation at Newcastle United on his YouTube channel.
The 42-year-old has admitted that Pope is simply playing so well that Ramsdale is just going to have to sit back and accept the situation.
“There’s not a lot he can do,” he said.
“Nick has started the season brilliantly. He’s a brilliant goalkeeper. I don’t know why people think anything other than this. Nick Pope is a fantastic goalkeeper.
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“It’s really hard for Aaron. He can’t have any excuses. He can’t go knocking on the manager’s door. It is what it is. The player in front of him is doing fantastically well.”
While Foster insists there is nothing Ramsdale can do, he is adamant that the former Arsenal stopper will still be an incredibly positive influence behind the scenes for Eddie Howe while he is out of the starting XI.
Foster added: “The good thing they’ve got with Aaron is he’s such a good lad that he won’t go kicking up a fuss. He will happily get behind Nick, get behind all of the lads, and still be the same person, the same human being around the building. The manager will see that and he will love that.”
When Aaron Ramsdale should make his Newcastle United debut
In the Premier League and the Champions League, there is no reason for Howe not to start Pope at the minute.
While that is bad news for Ramsdale, the Newcastle United opportunity he has been waiting for is not far away.
The Magpies begin their defence of the Carabao Cup next week, with Bradford City heading to St James’ Park on 24th September. That night will surely see Ramsdale make his competitive debut for the club.
It could also be the night that Malick Thiaw makes his first start after arriving from AC Milan. The German defender did make a cameo against Liverpool, but has not been trusted to start thus far.
The cup clash with Bradford is a great opportunity for Howe to rotate. There should be plenty of changes to the starting XI, as fans finally get to see just how deep this Newcastle United squad really is.