This must have been a week of mixed emotions for young Aaron Ramsey. Sure, he grabbed a goal against Olympiakos (and extremely tasty clipped finish in the last minute of the game) but he’s also lost his role as Welsh captain.
Ramsey has been captain of Wales for over 18 months now, and will now hand over the role to Swansea City centre-back Ashley Williams. Whilst it’s probably a good decision, it’s one that will no doubt give the young midfielder pause for thought.
Let’s face it, Gary Speed’s decision to hand him the armband was a bizarre one at the time. Given his age, his status and the difficulties he was facing at the time, it just didn’t seem to make sense. What’s more, it’s hard to argue that the move has justified itself over time. Wales have been absolutely atrocious during his period as captain and Ramsey has been little better.
It’s worth pointing out, however, that few players have been through as much as Aaron Ramsey has as a young age. A career threating injury from Stoke’s lumbering oaf, Ryan Shawcross, International captaincy at a young age, Gary Speed’s death, being managed by Chris Coleman. This is a player whose psyche is being pulled in every which direction.
And yet his performances for Arsenal have been significantly improved this season. I’d even go as far as to say that his display against Manchester City was his best in an Arsenal shirt. Then when he came on against Olympiakos last week, he added another dimension to the Gunners’ attack.
Yes, he still has a frustrating tendency to pass the ball to an opponent, but he’s not dawdling on the ball as much, he’s making quicker, smarter decisions and he’s beginning to fulfill his potential. Arsenal fans know that Ramsey’s a decent player, the frustration is that he could be a great one – but that possibility seems a little far off.
With Jack Wilshere on his way back from injury, I think this season could be make or break for the 21-year-old. If he can battle it out with the likes of Abou Diaby, Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Jack for a place in a crowded midfield, then he has a future at the club. If he can’t, he should probably move on.
For what it’s worth, I think he’s got a big future. His ability is there for everybody to see and Arsene Wenger clearly admires his talents. Perhaps it wont be so long until Ramsey re-claims the Welsh armband?
What’s your take? What does the future hold for Aaron Ramsey?
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Ramsey is an amazing talent. His performances as a 19 year old were out of this world. He was hitting performances at a phenomenal level – I particularly remember a game against Portsmouth where he orchestrated everything, bossed the game, scored a goal which started with him winning the ball, playing off other players before finishing with aplomb, performing in the bigger games – all this before a thuggish assault nearly ended his career. These take time to re- find the level of brilliance promised – witness the time Diaby is taking, Eduardo is another case in point. Ramsey is the bravest and quickest repairer, but his amazing talent will continue to grow until he finds the incredible talent he possesses. In the meantime, he has enough quality to be a valuable contributor, from his match winner in the 1-0 against united on his first game back to the more recent bit of quality against Olympiacos this week. Arsene recognises his quality is worth some patience, and so should we.
Why do you even ask? Ramsey covers more ground finds better space, makes more forward runs than any player in the PL. When the rest of Arsenal’s players start doing more of that themselves– increasing the rotation and overloading instead of standing around so much– you will see us get back to the amazing pass and move we had 5 years ago. Only– this time you should see us winning something as well as playing dream football.
If Ramsey’s development is all you have to worry about– you must lead a very sheltered life!!1