It's been a whirlwind of a season for Aaron Ramsdale, to say the least. Just seven months ago he was viewed as 'not good enough' by many after joining Arsenal for an initial fee of £24m, now he is on route to becoming number one for both club and country.
A number of impressive displays and magnificent saves meant that it wasn't long before he became Mikel Arteta's preference between the sticks, playing every single Premier League game since the miserable 5-0 defeat away to Man City at the beginning of the season.
This has led to Ramsdale recording the third-most clean sheets so far with 14, which is also credit to what has been an overly solid Arsenal backline.
READ MORE: Aaron Ramsdale tops leading Premier League statistic that gives Arsenal top-four advantage
READ MORE: Newest Arsenal star's battle-ready comment explains surprise Mikel Arteta squad decision
Although becoming a key part of a team that represents one of the biggest clubs in the world has its benefits, added pressure and harsher criticism are also part of the package in football.
Despite consistently proving his importance this season, Ramsdale has still had a few shakey moments that highlighted a lapse in concentration. After all, he's a young lad who is going through continued development.
The England international conceded twice during the recent 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, including a Diogo Jota goal at his near post that led to some questions being asked.
During the game, Ramsdale also picked up a muscle injury which is set to sideline him for a few weeks, Arteta revealed prior to this afternoon's clash with Aston Villa.
This will be a frustrating setback for the 23-year-old, who would have been eager to return to the pitch to put things right following a minor blip midweek.
Speaking to the press on Friday, Arteta revealed that Ramsdale "was gutted" after the Liverpool match, but did hint at how incoming signing Matt Turner can help his future teammate become stronger both mentally and as a player.
"It’s normal because he’s such a competitive boy, but he needs to realise that this is going to happen in your career", Arteta said.
"He wants to be there the next day, he wants to go and practice. He wants to see it. He’s very critical of himself so sometimes he needs to have some help to put things into perspective, and for him to realise as well how much he has contributed to the team."
Turner is set to be officially announced as an Arsenal player in the summer after an agreement to complete a deal believed to be worth a total of £7.5m was found between the Gunners and New England Revolution in January.
Aged 27, not only will the USMNT shot-stopper bring more experience, but he will also bring a story that can offer Ramsdale the perspective that Arteta believes he requires.
From being undrafted in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft to playing lower division football, Turner's journey has been far from easy. He has gone through the dark moments that Ramsdale will undoubtedly go through many more times, but now he's on the verge of joining, in his words, "one of the biggest, most recognisable brands in the world in Arsenal."
Possessing similar attitudes, character and career paths, Ramsdale and Turner can create a formidable partnership at London Colney next season whilst bringing the best out of each other.
