Has Aaron Ramsey got what it takes to establish himself at Arsenal next season?
It's not often that Arsene Wenger waxes lyrical about a young Arsenal player early in his career.
Jack Wilshere may have got some qualified praise from the manager who can already see what a talent he is, but it's far to say that we all know it will be 12-18 months before the prodigy starts to get a real Premiership look-in.
The same can't be said for Aaron Ramsey though.
He may only be a year older than Wilshere but, ever since I saw him make his debut at Barnet, I've thought that he is going to prove himself to be a real star next season.
“Aaron Ramsey is 17-and-a-half years old and what he’s doing at that age is that of a top-class midfielder,” said Wenger after Saturday's defeat to Juventus and it's clear that, even though he made less than 25 starts for Cardiff, Le Boss sees a big future for the young Welshman.
Think about it. Arsenal reputedly have little money to spend, yet they fly a rookie out to Switzerland to convince him his future should be at the Gunners.
If Ramsey is not considered a defensive midfielder, the club have spent a fair amount of cash on someone who has to compete with Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby and Denilson at the very least.
But his workrate, vision, passing and temprament suggest he has what it takes to make a real impact at Arsenal.
I wonder what Ramsey would have said if, a year ago, someone would have told him he would play aganst Juventus and Real Madrid within a year.
Maybe it's just fighting talk, but it's good to see that he doesn't seem too humble, that he actually wants to fight to start the opening game.
He said: "My priority is to get into the starting 11 for the first game against West Brom and go from there.
"It's a massive step up from the Championship level. I found it quite tough in the first week, but now I've settled in a bit."
I for one don't doubt that Manchester United's loss will be our gain and that Ramsey will prove to be one of our best signings in years.
DA
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Reader Comments (14)
Ramsey has it all to do at Arsenal. It's good to know Wenger is going British but in all, Ramsey won't get into the team over night.
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I think he should play. Diaby hasnt shown anything to suggest Wenger will play him with Cesc. Diaby isnt doing enough he looks like a stroller which in this league isnt good enough.
He won't be a regular this season, but I expect him to get a fair amount of games, and put in top quality performances - maybe even win a couple of Cups!
if wenger does not sign anyone else Ramsey will compete with Denilson for that DM spot. Diaby is competing with cesc for the attacking role. The other player who might get a look in is Coquelin who impressed in his appearances plus we have Bishoff who is an unknown quantity.
Ramsey looks class and a very promising talent but Wenger ought to protect him atleast for this coming season!!
Ramsey looks good but just needs to tighten his passing game up a bit, can lose the ball a bit too easily. The best centre midfeild partnership has to be Cesc and Diaby, I have complete faith that Diaby has the quality to become a world class player
Watching the midfielders on Sunday I thought that Diaby holds onto the ball too long.There's much of a sameness about the others, all skillful but appear very light you cant see one who could grab hold of the game if we were under pressure.
i think it all depend on performances wenger does not care about age just the quality of performance,so i would not rule out wiltshire playing in the prem,every player will have fight for there place
I still believe Song can do the defensive midfield job with ease. Perhaps not for the entire season, but he would make a great back-up player.
Ramsey is a WINGER. To play along side Fabregas he needs to adapt to the new position ..... and that takes time.
I recon Diaby needs a few games before we realy see the best of him, however Denilson looked a class act over the weekend so Ramsey and Song have a lot of work to do get a starting spot in the first eleven.
Ramsey may be good but i don't think he is any better than Wilshere.
Ramsey Is Good But I Dont Expect To See Him Get A Starting Birth Next Season.
Diaby And Denilson Will Compete For The DM Position.
Wilshere Will Get Some Appearances From The Bench Also.
Ramsey ISN'T a winger. His favoured position is central midfield. By choice he is an attacking midfielder rather than a defensive midfielder. He played on the wing (and other positions) at Cardiff because we have a small squad. He was a utility player for us.