Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale claims Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is his toughest opponent EVER

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale claims Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is his toughest opponent EVER – snubbing the likes of Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo

  • Aaron Ramsdale has insisted Leicester’s Jamie Vardy is his toughest opponent 
  • Striker Vardy, 35, has scored four times against Ramsdale in five appearances
  • And the Arsenal goalkeeper said his tireless running is what makes him so good


Aaron Ramsdale has named Jamie Vardy as his toughest opponent ever faced in his career.

The Arsenal goalkeeper is approaching a century of Premier League appearances across his stints with three clubs, and has faced some real world-class players in his 97 top-flight matches.

However, when asked who he hates playing the most, he overlooked other Premier League stars like Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Tottenham’s star striker Harry Kane and Liverpool wideman Mohamed Salah. 

Instead, he named Leicester striker Vardy – and claimed it’s his determination and work ethic that makes the veteran so tough to face.

He said: ‘The one I hate playing against most is Jamie Vardy. 

‘The guy just doesn’t stop running.  

Aaron Ramsdale named Leicester striker Jamie Vardy (above) as his toughest ever opponent

The Arsenal goalkeeper (left) has played against world-class players, like Harry Kane (right)

The Arsenal goalkeeper (left) has played against world-class players, like Harry Kane (right)

But Ramsdale insisted Vardy's tireless running and energy make him a nightmare to face

But Ramsdale insisted Vardy’s tireless running and energy make him a nightmare to face

The 23-year-old will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against Vardy and Leicester on Sunday

The 23-year-old will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against Vardy and Leicester on Sunday

‘I’d love to have him on my team, hate playing against him.

‘I’ve played against him five times now, he’s scored four times.’  

Ramsdale was relegated twice in successive seasons for Bournemouth and then Sheffield United – although he impressed in both campaigns – before the Gunners splashed out £30million to bring him to the Emirates this summer.

He was initially expected to act as back-up to incumbent No 1 Bernd Leno, but has overtaken the German in the pecking order, and is now clear first-choice for Mikel Arteta’s side, as well as challenging Jordan Pickford for the England jersey.

In October, Ramsdale was superb as Arsenal held off Leicester 2-0, keeping a clean sheet against Vardy et al.

The 23-year-old will hope to pull off the same feat in his next match on Sunday, against Brendan Rodgers’ men. 

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