This weekend, our 18 year-old Welsh midfielder, Aaron Ramsey, will likely go up against his former club of Cardiff City. I can only imagine what it must be like for the lad to face the team that gave you your start, and I can say I've only seen one Arsenal player when recently faced with such a dilemma.That was Tomas Rosicky back in the qualifying rounds of last year's Champions League. He faced his hometown club, Sparta Prague, and when he scored against them he didn't celebrate, but merely let his team-mates congratulate him. Rosicky really is a class act, and this just showed his committed and loyal character. I really do hope to see him in an Arsenal shirt again one day for us.
But getting back to Aaron Ramsey, the lad is, in my opinion, one of the most intelligent signings Arsene Wenger has ever made. Of course, all gooners here will remember the circumstances of his signing for us this past summer, where he was courted by both us and Manchester Utd, and where he chose us over them so he would get games.
And this promise that was undoubtedly made to him by Le Boss has come true. Ramsey has played in all of our League Cup games, and F.A. Cup game, multiple Champions League encounters, and even played a few times in the league. And from what I've seen he's an exciting prospect.
He's a bit like Cesc Fabregas was when he first arrived here, and I ultimately think he was signed and is being bred for this role so that he can take over in Fabregas's place when our captain one day leaves for pastures new. But despite this, I think the player he is most like is Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.
His style of play is more like Gerrard than Fabregas, and he seems to pass a little more like him as well. What I mean by this is when Fabregas looks for a pass, he gets this instant composed look about him and he looks for the killer through ball, usually on the ground, which splits open the defense. Ramsey on the other hand doesn't look quite as composed, but this isn't necessarily bad. He is more aware of the threats around him, and instead of always looking for the perfect ground pass, he isn't afraid to look as well for the long ball or perfect cross-field pass that will free up some space for others to play in.
Sure, right now he gives the ball away a lot and he's not the strongest of players, but I think that this is simply due to his age. He will develop into a great player, and I feel quite certain that come World Cup 2014 time, he will be among the best in the world. Just like I was excited about Fabregas and Van Persie and Clichy, just like I was excited about a young Thierry Henry, I'm equally excited about Aaron Ramsey. Only time will tell, but I think that Arsene Wenger has unearthed another gem.
I'll try to have a full match preview of the Cardiff game tomorrow, where I'll look at our chances in both this game and the rest of the F.A. Cup. Until then,
Fab 4
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Massive day for the kid, i really liek what i have seen from him.
ReplyDeleteHopefully he gathers consistency with age.
I personally think that this summer we should sell Fabregas for the highest offer.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Because our squad depth is becoming so strong that the style of Fabregas style is becoming extinct quickly. Also it is too risky a strategy to be reliant solely on one person for your creative influences.
And let's be honest with ourselves. Other than passing what does Fabregas offer? Bugger all. Can't defend to save shit, doesn't track, hardly scores and when his passing is off as it has been all season then he really is no more than a liability.
We have a better future with the likes of Denilson, Diaby, Nasri and now Ramsey all viaing for a central midfield spot.
I would like to see Wenger play Gallas as our defensive mid for the remainder of the season.
Something like:
...................Almunia....................
..............................................
...........Toure(c).........Djourou...........
Sagna...................................Clichy
..............................................
....................Gallas....................
..............................................
...........Denilson.........Diaby.............
..............................................
.....Van Persie...................Nasri.......
...................Bendtner...................
Also, we must not sell players like Denilson, Diaby, Eboue and Bendtner. Their potential is there to be seen. What pisses me off the most these so called plastic Arsenal fans start booing our own players. Why don't they give up their season ticket and support some other fucking team. I have been an Arsenal fan for over 15 years now and have supported the club through thick and thin. I trust Wengers's judgement because I really do believe that this squad is one of the all round best I have seen so far and the kids are gonna dominate very soon.
The general notion is that our squad depth isn't very strong but I believe we have the best and most complete squad in that premiership all that is needed now is for the players to finally reach a sense of togetherness and work for each other and we shall start to see positive results.
Mark my words. Denilson is already class, one of the best in the premiership. Diaby is making very positive impacts on what is effectively his first season in contention for a starting XI spot, he will be a massive player for us and I firmly believe he will start dominating the midfield but not as a defensive midfielder. It is also pleasing to see Denilson and Diaby combing very well.
This is also Bedntner first season contending for a first XI spot. We must keep him at all costs because this guy is all round much better than Adebayor and his link up play with other strikers is exceptional. Where he struggles most is when he is asked to play the lone striker role for which he is not suited for because I don't think he is as physically as strong as Adebayor yet. But then again Adebayor isn't exactly brilliant at that role either is he?
Also a 4-5-1 is too defensive minded formation for Arsenal to play and this negativity reflects on the pitch with little creativity. With such an abundance of attacking options we should really be playing 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 with the mentality being we'll score more than you.
Walcott and Vela are too small and lightweight to play up front but with their pace they will be very effective wing forwards.
I doubt we will ever be able to rely on Rosicksy to last a season. But I'd rather we kept him and treasure however many games he is able to play for us because he is still a quality player. I think the purchase of Nasri was with the intention of repalcing rosicky.
If Arshavin does come eventually it will be I reckon to replace the trickery of Hleb which we have sorely missed. Despite his refusal to shoot and ability to score goals he had everything else and was the best dribbler in the premiership during his time at the emrites. Much better than that one-trick pony Ronaldo. Arshavin seems to me to be a very good two-footed player with exceptional dribbling skills and good finish. I can't see him taking too long to adapt.
Sorry to drag on so long and just to summise. I truly believe we have the best squad with talent that is getting better and better with every game played. We are only short on a position and that is in defensive midfield. I would like to see Wenger be daring and bold and instruct Gallas to play there until the end of the season and in the summer sell Fabregas and make a bid for Lorik Cana. But please, please do not sell any more of this current crop.