Arsenal’s brightest young star set to shine again
I read yesterday that Arsenal intend to offer Aaron Ramsey a double your money contract extension ( http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/10676875/Arsenal-set-to-reward-Aaron-Ramsey-with-100000-a-week-deal.html ) .
Aaron is in the same position as Jack, AOC, Gibbs and Jenkinson in that he is about one year into his current deal. So why would the club consider this move, at this time?
I saw a few people on twitter questioning both what he has done to deserve this, and is it right when he has so long remaining at a much reduced salary.
So lets consider the first part: “What he has done to deserve this?”
My answer to that would be: “Are you kidding? Are you mad?”
Aaron was, prior to his recent injury, by a clear margin, the best midfielder in England this season and the last part of the previous one.
He gives balance to the team in a way that perhaps only Diaby could match. We just have not looked the same team without him.
He is a magnificent player who quite literally has it all. Pace unrivaled over the course of a game; heart, skill, composure, stamina, assists and goals. On top of that he is a charming young man who epitomises class. And still only 23 years old. It’s frightening to think how good he will end up.
Coming back from having his leg smashed beyond recognition by the Captain of the Orks to be able to play to any decent standard is achievement enough, but to a level the allowed him to win Arsenal Player Of The Month on five consecutive occasions is little short of monumental.
If there is truth in this revised contract story then it is clear that the club see him as our most valuable youngster.
Personally I have always seen him as being easily the brightest young star at the club. And by a distance. That’s not to say we don’t have other great prospects, but simply that I think he is the best. Others may disagree with me and that’s fine, but none have come near to the standards he has set this season, ever.
By giving him this improved deal what are the club saying?
Well for a start they’re saying that they are fair. Perform well and you will be rewarded and appreciated.
Also they are telling other clubs that they can’t come along and tempt him away because they will double his money. Too late, we’ve already done it.
They are displaying to Players, agents, clubs and our own fans that our financial clout is real and being put to use.
I see no downside to giving this wonderful player a better deal, and I hope its true.
George can be found on Twitter @Blackburngeorge
Positively Arsenal 
True. Financial clout is not just blowing 50million on Falcao. It is also being able to pay high wages to the players who are frighteningly good and tying them down to our club. Ramsey is quite a rare player and the amount of times he popped up to score were so ridiculous that what he was doing didnt register properly in my head. I miss him so now. He is not just a goal scorer though. Every team needs a Ramsey. There is no limit on what Ramsey can develop to be.
The midfield of Arteta, Ramsey, Ozil will just kill any team with class.
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I very much hope the rumours are true as Aaron’s performances have been excellent for the past year and but for his injury he would have been a shoe-in for the PFA Player of the Year – as you said Sensational he has yet to reach his full potential.
And in the wild and wacky world of footballing salaries £100k a week is, reportedly, the rate Jack Rodwell commands at the Etihad
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An excellent Post PG, and a pleasure to read such a well written and upbeat article.
You can take it that I totally agree with everything in the Post and it is indeed wonderful that Aaron has returned to the sort of performances that have knocked the doubters mealy mouthed criticisms down their throats. [forbidden smiley thing]
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the energy that gives flow to our midifeld.
kallstrom ready too ….
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At the time it was hard to see it but Song’s departure, whatever the cirumstances, cleared the path for Rambo.
Will he be ready for the game against Gazprom? Interesting and welcome selection puzzles for the gaffer going forward.
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Agree with HB – a very well written article and, more importantly, positive with cause.
Like everyone else, I was mortified by Aaron’s injuries and feared he might end up enduring Diaby-olic years of setbacks and fitness grief. Happily fortune has smiled on His Awesomeness and, fingers crossed, his return kick-starts our run-in to season’s end.
A consistent midfield selection of him, Ox, Oz and Santi with a flying Walcott down the wing (or up top) would strike fear and goals in similar measure into the heart of even the best tended defences of this land – and beyond.
The present fashion for writing off AFC in some quarters is as foolhardy as it is unwarranted and can only end in bitter disappointment for our enemies within as much as our actual rivals and competitors.
I am enjoying this season so, so much!
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http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/1-0-tomas-rosicky-from-outside-the-box-czech-republic-v-norway/
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Can’t wait to have him back. I think that the link up play between him, Ozil, the ox and giroud will be lethal
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That was sweetly hit
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I don’t know why but I’m expecting a comment all the way from the deep south of the southern US of A.
Just a hunch.
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What a way to not pressure on Aaron to be our savior in this the business-end of the season! I sincerely hope he is fully aware and prepared for the weight of expectations on his young shoulder.
BTW: Andrew I was already expecting a whooping endorsement for George from the depths of Alabama.
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Why, Andrew, I’m sure I have no idea what you mean. (banned smiley thingy)
I didn’t write this, but you all know I could have. There aren’t enough superlatives in my vocabulary to describe Aaron. I make no secret of the fact that he is far and away my favorite player, and not just because of what he does on the pitch, fabulous as that is. It’s just nice to see a decent, classy hard-working guy succeed in the cut-throat world of sport without having to sacrifice who he is as a person. With Aaron, it seems what you see is what you get. He must be an agents’ dream. Handsome, talented and likeable…he surely markets himself. He’s worth every penny of that rumored salary. He epitomizes the club’s brand every time he takes the pitch, does an interview, or posts an incredibly cute picture of himself on Instagram flipping pancakes in his kitchen…class. Well done to you, Rambo.
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Oh and as far as that pressure thing goes, Shotta, I expressed that concern on Twitter, and our friend Bradyesque7 reassured me with this (and I quote): “Ramsey sprinkles pressure on his cereal. No problem.” I think he’s right. Aaron is no stranger to pressure. He’ll be fine. He may not ride in on a white horse to save the day, but the side will definitely be more balanced when he returns. And it may just be the boost that other players need to raise their games as well. Hold on tight folks, it’s going to be a hell of a ride!
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I’m thrilled to see an article about Ramsey. Well written, PG.
In the meantime I urge caution, because it seems to me that the Guardian isn’t beyond making stuff up. Their articles about Arsenal – for many years – have often been the stuff of destabilisation, despair and dogged doom-mongering. Is it beyond the Guardian or whichever rags – to print that Wenger earns £7m, £8m or £100m? Is it beyond the Guardian or whichever rags – to print that Fabregas/Song/Nasri or whomever want away (inc. a current article about Bendtner)? Is it beyond the Guardian or whichever rags – to print that Arsenal have no class when dealing with transfers like that of Suarez?
Alex Song is said to have wanted more money when he still had 3(?) years to run on his contract. What role did his agent play in the shenanigans? How did Arsenal really feel about this? (NOT, what did the press/blogs have to say about it!) Part of Arsenal’s class is that they don’t reveal these things, for which, I’m happy.
One must remember that the despicable Orc that smashed up Ramsey’s leg, got a double reward. He was called by his former boss, Slurgy. Er, why? Surely not for congratulations? Was the Orc or his manager called prior to the game and told to get stuck in, so that Ramsey would be taught a lesson for going to Arsenal? Have the Guardian or any press mused about that? Apart from brief references, how much have the press and plundits said about Dat Orc’s history of assaulting player’s?
Did you enjoy seeing the Orc slapped about by Fellani(tio)?
The 2nd reward was to be called into the England squad on the same evening. Are you having a fucking larf?
Wass that about?
Is it beyond the wit of anybody – to make up a figure/salary – in order to destabilise the squad? After all, it appears that the 5 Britishers all signed contracts not that long ago (18 months?) What do the other ‘poorly paid’ Britisher’s think about one of them having their wages doubled?, if indeed that’s the case.
What really went on re Gary Speed? Clearly, Ramsey had much respect for that man, and it affected him for awhile. Never mind, Chris Coleman came and took the Welsh captaincy from Ramsey, so it’s all OK, innit? (Do you remember the match between England and Wales???)
If you’re thick-skinned you might have a look at the article’s comments in the Guardian. You may draw your own conclusions relating to how people react to the story.
I think Aaron Ramsey is a fantastic player, and given the various negativism sprayed around him (his friend getting cut up when they both visited a nightclub in Cardiff, apparently), and people at the Em’s booing him (****’s), and whatever else, I find Aaron to be an amazing young man.
I hope he stays at Arsenal and gets paid whatever he’ll accept. Aaron Ramsey is truly a Superstar.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/04/aaron-ramsey-new-five-year-arsenal-contract
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Deep South lady, this is for you:
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wilshere is the stupidest player on the planet! four liverpool players woy put on the pitch watching each other’s back, but here is our jack of all trade doing all the trade. even doing his best to derail our title bid by trying to get himself injured.
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Great stuff PG. I expect Aaron to stimulate a title winning charge between now and the end of the season…….impossible is nothing!
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I’m really pleased someone has done this article and the fact it was George is somewhat fitting.
Our Aaron has done everything right so far, turned down manure and old red nose, beat the unfaithful, and even managed to put himself out of the side when we hit a dip in form. This is also not even mentioning captaining his country at an extremely young age, having it taken away from him and still coming back to be the most important member of the side( and yes that does include the most expensive premier league export )
The immediate problem is he returns in the middle in of a minefield of games to a team lacking consistency of form and to an unrealistic set of fans with a even more unrealistic expectations of returning players.
It would be wonderful if Aaron could slip straight into the form he was in before his injury however we will probably have to wait a few games and however the team is doing it would be nice if our welsh wizard could finish the season a strong as possible and be justly rewarded for his season.
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Jack walked off limping. Does anyone know the extent of his knock?
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I still think the Ox will be even better than either Jack or Rambo and that’s saying something,the future is very bright for this lot,sign em all up for ever!
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excellent
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Lovely article George. I was going to say about my favourite player, but then realized that had you written it about any of the others I would have thought that they were my favourite too. I sound like that nice girl who only does it for friends – its just she doesn’t have any enemies. Back to young Aaron, and I remember someone put together a video of his performance away at Manchester City early last season (2-2) that showed his absolute class. Incidentally that game (23.09.12) is worth watching again to see why it is worth waiting and hoping for Diaby’s return.
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See Jack got a knock yesterday, and that squeeze box Kos has a tight hamstring. Any other problems from the internationals come to light yet?
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OMG. Joel Campbell’s goal from yesterday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9UYA0ekkNM&feature=player_embedded
Dare to dream everyone.
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Ozil got some award for being too good in front of the Home support last night.
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http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1euhwe_aaron-ramsey-the-complete-footballer-2013-2014_sport
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Foreverheady, @ 5:46 a.m.
Jack out fore 6 weeks – probably means out for the rest of the season. [gloomy banned face]
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Poor old Jack, and how frustrating for The Arsenal. We haven’t had much luck on the injury front recently. Still with a bit of luck he’ll be back in time to enjoy his next Wembley experience when he comes on as a late sub to claim his cupwinners medal.
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Hairline fracture of a bone in his foot ! Bloody hell – is the boy never ever going to get a run of games that does not end on the treatment table ? Very disappointing.
However Santi, Flamini, Arteta, Ozil, Rosicky, the Ox if required and Aaron due back – we are not exactly down to the bare bones across the middle ( banned crosses finger thing)
I mostly watched Germany last night and Mesut was very good, as you can see from the Goetze goal. He performed another lovely little trick in the second half that should have led to a second Goetze goal – Bergkampesque I would say – he looked much more relaxed did our Mesut – hopefully a little of that calmness will stay with him these next few weeks.
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Agger gets his bonus?
It’s a good thing that KK was signed!
What the **** was Roy doing leaving St. Jack on the field to hobble around after that hack let alone after HT? Can we blame a manager if a player wants to stay on? I don’t. And to be fair Roy got the memo on Chambo.
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Predictably people blaming AFC training methods and physios. Hard to see how they are responsible for impact injuries, but perhaps true that the more a player is in control of the ball and himself the less likely he is to get injured. The very best players probably only have to play at 80% of their capacity most of the time, which is why they seldom seem to get injured – and why they have the capacity to raise their game at key moments. I don’t think I am just talking football here – rambling on about all sports I guess. Sorry – back to work.
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That’ll be the same sports science enthusiasts who have been disingeniously ignoring why Chambo was rested by both Woy and Wenger this past week?
Ah well. On the plus side at least the Malcontents who go quiet when they are asked if they have any associations with R&W Holdings are as predictable as they ever were.
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Jack, Kos possibly Santi injured and TR7 normally doesn’t start after a international games so were going to be short Saturday. Hopefully everyone else comes back ok and KK is available for his first game. Come the time the games kick off we will once again be top of physio room’s injury table and this once again highlights how amazing we have achieved anything in the last eight seasons. chelski have 1 player injured meaning they effectively have a squad of 24 players to chose from as opposed to our 17, meaning everyone fit is picked. So forget about brilliant management or form because they just don’t count.
The other thing which may be just a coincidence is the teams, in the main, are the ones trying to play football on the deck while the more direct style teams seem to be at the bottom.
I have long thought that the refs interpretation of the game here in England not only hampers our game but also is affecting the national side and the advancement of technically gifted young players across the country.
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A or B
What is the story with Santi? Surely not him too?
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Bejazus, Santi only played 5 minutes.
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jack clearly saw the tackle before deciding to put in his leg just to please woy and the england public. to put more pressure on arsenal and wenger and help the media find something negative to write about the arsenal.
there are five liverpool players on the pitch but that was not enough for jack to know that nobody wants him there in the first place. nobody want to give him the ball and hence went about looking for some loose balls all over the place.
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Great article, George. It’s a recognition that Ramsey is one of our most important players. If true. And I don’t see why it wouldn’t be.
“Following initial scans carried out by the FA on Wednesday night, further investigation by Arsenal’s medical team has discovered a crack to a small bone in Jack’s left foot – the navicular, an area of his foot which has not been previously injured.”
So the FA couldn’t even get the diagnosis right.
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I had forgotten about Kallstrom – quite a game to make his debut in though my guess is he will start on the bench ( surely ?)
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Good luck trying to get that bone healed before the world cup. I have the feeling Jack is going to miss way more than six weeks.
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I believe Santi received a knock or felt a twinge apparently minor so may be available
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Some media reports and most Arsenal blogs and tweets seem to suggest that Kim Källström is a total joke. Looking at his career record and the terms that we are reported to have signed him on I can’t see that: am I missing something obvious?
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Yes you are missing something obvious – lots of Arsenal bloggers and tweeters are panic-stricken ignoramuses.
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Källström was obviously a quality player however his age and injuries may have slowed him down and so some blogs believe he must obviously register the performance of a sunday league player. What most people with football brains know is there are many skills in football and although pace is important in the modern game lack of it can be compensated for with the numerous other faculties in a players armoury.
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Thanks FG: I shall remember that in future – ignoramus and panic stricken is a more euphemistic way for me to regard them I have been particularly amused by two blogs recently: Arsenal Truth and Le Grove – comedy writing of the highest order. You couldn’t make it up, except they obviously do, so imagine they must be Tottenham authors.
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Whats up peeps!?
Sad news about JW but I do have some great news, my wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday morning. God is good!!!
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Fantastic: hope you all have a great time. Many congratulations.
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Nice one Paul
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Thanks guys.
We are going home tomorrow morning (hopefully). I will meet up with you guys again on Saturday for the match.
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Congrats Paul! I know that feeling only too well. Grace and peace be with you and your family.
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Goodness me, how many is that, Paul-N? Congratulations to you and yours. ..
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