It’s sad to see what’s become of Aaron Ramsey’s career since Ryan Shawcross snapped his leg in two three years ago. It was an act of brutality on the behalf of the Stoke defender that has more or less put the stoppers on Ramsey’s progress as a young player.
He’s failed to make any improvement since coming back from this injury and whilst he looks to have got back in good shape and is more than capable of putting in an energetic performance, he doesn’t seem to be able to put in an effective one.
This is a player who looked to be destined for big things. Once upon a time, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger fought over his signature and he was presented as the future of British football.
As a young player at Arsenal he used to duke it out with better established players for the right to take a free kick. He used to have the confidence to shoot (and score) from 25 yards out. He used to be able to beat his man and make killer passes.
The biggest difference is that Ramsey used to react to play a lot quicker. Nowadays, he looks somewhat cumbersome. He keeps hold of the ball for too long (and as a result, often loses it) and his passes often miss their mark.
Wilshere was out for 13 months and came back stronger than ever. With that in mind, I’m just not sure how much longer we’ll be able to excuse Aaron Ramsey. Two seasons back from injury and no progress – something has to give.
Former Arsenal forward John Hartson has suggested that the best thing for Ramsey’s career would be to go out on loan: “I just think Aaron needs that run of games. Maybe if he did go out on loan he’d get that, because he doesn’t seem to start many games at Arsenal now and when he does start he’s brought off and he doesn’t look happy. Arsene Wenger knows he’s a top-drawer player, because he wouldn’t have given him a new deal otherwise.” (Source: Daily Star)
These, I think, are smart words. There’s clearly a top player in Ramsey, desperate to get out. But with all the pressure at Arsenal, and the constant chopping and changing, he can’t play his best football. If he’s going to kick on, he may need to seek regular football elsewhere.
Whether that’s in the Championship, or another Premier League team (wouldn’t he fit in nicely at a club like Southampton?) remains to be seen. But, it would make a lot of sense.
What’s your take? Is it time for Aaron Ramsey to go out on loan?
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It’s especially shocking how we are still affording Ramsey room for his bad performances three years after the injury, when you consider that Eboue was booed off the pitch within 45 minutes after a long injury lay-off.
One player gets 3 years of hand-holding and excuse-making for his poor form, another gets less than a half of football.
It’s ridiculous really, the extent of the excuse making for Ramsey’s poor form three years after the injury.