We’re heading into a new era at the Emirates as Arsène Wenger’s 22-year reign at the helm of the club comes to an end this season. The Frenchman has decided to step down as Arsenal manager, instead of fulfilling the one remaining year on his contract.
Since his announcement two weeks ago, the footballing world has been abuzz with rumours about who the next manager will be. Names like Luis Enrique, Mikel Arteta, Carlo Ancelotti, Brendan Rodgers, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry have been branded about. Whoever the new manager is, that man will have a major overhaul to compete at the Emirates.
The truth is, there are several players currently at Arsenal that just aren’t good enough. They’re known as ‘deadwood’ players, personnel that are expendable. One man who certainly isn’t expendable is Welsh midfielder, Aaron Ramsey. In fact, he’s quite simply the opposite, he’s what you call a marquee player, personnel that you build a squad around.
Here’s why Arsenal should build the squad around Aaron Ramsey.
As Arsenal enter this new era of uncertainty, it’s imperative that Arsenal has one player amongst the change that can be relied upon. Aaron Ramsey is that man, not Mesut Özil. Why? Well for one, the 27-year-old is younger than the German. Two, he has more leadership qualities than the former Real Madrid man.
Since arriving in June 2008, Aaron Ramsey has morphed into somewhat of an Arsenal legend. Now he’s become a player worthy of being called a captain, leader and marquee player. With Jack Wilshere set to leave in the summer, Aaron Ramsey will be the Gunners only central midfielder with competent attacking capabilities, that’s a huge responsibility to bear. But as the 27-year-old has proven in recent years, he’s a man that thrives under pressure and with responsibility.
In 322 Arsenal appearances, the Welshman has scored 58 goals and produced 51 assists. That means the 27-year-old has directly contributed to 109 goals in the red and white colours. This season, Ramsey has scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists in only 2100 minutes of football. Such a productivity rate puts him in the upper echelon of central midfielders worldwide.
He’s the man that’s scored in FA Cup finals and at times when his manager has needed him most. Now, the Welshman will be the one to lead the Gunners into the future. New signings need a leader to look up to and Aaron Ramsey’s combative personality is the perfect match for Arsenal’s new era.
Aaron Ramsey has always excelled in a midfield three or as an attacking midfielder. That’s why formations like the 4-3-3, 3-4-2-1 or the 4-3-2-1 are perfect for the 27-year-old. He’s tactically versatile, hard-working, composed in front of goal and intelligent with his final third movement. It’s attributes like this that have made him a transfer target of Juventus FC in recent years. So, it’s imperative that the Gunners tie Ramsey down to a new long-term contract as his deal runs out in 2019. He deserves to be the highest paid player at the club, bar none.
