(originally published on 4th September 2014)
It is always difficult to justify who your favourite footballer is when discussing it with your mates. This is because it is expected that for someone to be your favourite player; they naturally have to be one of the ‘best in the world’. Champions League, League and Domestic Cup medals are necessary. Stupendous goal scoring/assist per game ratios make it that much easier to justify your choice. Tricks and flicks are always a bonus too. However I think there is more to consider when thinking about who is your favourite football player. Footballers can be judged on more than just ability. Personality, attitude, determination and dedication are just a few other variables that should play a pivotal role in your assessment. Personally I believe that being able to relate to and be inspired by a footballer by factors other than their ability is incredibly important. That is why when people ask me who my favourite footballer in world football is; I reply Aaron Ramsey.
On June 10th 2008 Aaron Ramsey signed for Arsenal FC despite interest from Manchester United and Everton. This is what he was quoted saying about his decision: “I supported Manchester United as a youngster but once I had spoken to Arsene, the way he described the Arsenal set-up and their plans for the future impressed me…. I just had a gut instinct that the right move for me would be joining Arsenal. It was my decision…” Brave decision from someone so young (17 at the time). He was clearly focused on his football. At the time I was 19 and as you do; I thought I knew everything there was to know about football. When I found out he picked Arsenal instead of United I said to anyone willing to listen: “Who the hell does this kid think he is?! Rejecting Manchester United for Arsenal?! They have just won the Champions League for goodness sake!! He is going to live to regret this!!!
Watching him develop since then has fascinating, especially due to the rate at which he raised his game last season. Before his thigh injury in December 2013 (which would unfortunately last for approximately three months) Ramsey played in 26 out of 27 games for Arsenal in all competitions. Despite missing those three months; by March 2014 he was still Arsenal’s second highest scorer with 9 goals and their joint top assist provider with Ozil with 8. In his 20 premier league games he scored 10 goals – the only midfielder to reach double figures with fewer than 21 games played.
But it wasn’t only his attacking statistics that were so impressive.
Prior to March 27th 2014 Ramsey had only played in 18 league games that season but despite that, he had still attempted the second highest amount of tackles with 66 behind Mikel Arteta’s 77 attempted tackles. He had the highest success rate with tackles however with 56 of his 66 attempts being positive. In the same date range, out of 230 ground duels he won 113 of these, second only behind Wilshere on 199. If it wasn’t for such a freakishly brilliant season from Luis Suarez and a niggling thigh injury Ramsey picked up in December 2013; in my eyes there was only one choice for PFA Player of the 2013/14 Season. That welsh lad with a tattoo of defiance on the leg that was broken by an overzealous Ryan Shawcross on that fateful day at the Britannia; February 28th 2010.
To make such an incredible comeback from such a devastating injury is something dreams are made of. For me it showed a great amount of mental resolve and determination to come back and perform at the level he is right now; especially considering the period where he was not a fans favourite at the Emirates. In a way; I could relate to his story as he wasn’t just another ‘God-Like’ footballer who earned obscene amounts of money. His experience made him that little bit more human. The sweet volley he scored v Norwich at the end of last season confirmed my choice. This is a guy on a mission. Ramsey is a player who has overcome the physical and mental scars of a horrendous career threatening incident at a very young age and he is determined to let everyone know just how damn good he is.
When there was talk of Fabregas coming back to the premier league, everyone naturally expected Arsenal to take him back to where he belongs for a second spell at Arsenal. Wenger did not activate the buy-back option. The entire football world criticised him for it. However, his reason for not sanctioning the return of their prodigal son was interesting: “That’s good in life – somebody moves out and somebody else takes over. Aaron Ramsey has a different style to Fabregas. He has developed into a player with huge potential and I think there is more coming out of Aaron Ramsey in the future. He’s younger than Cesc and the potential is there to get more out of Aaron.”
In layman’s terms; Wenger was saying that Aaron Ramsey at 23 is better than Fabregas was when he was 23. Bringing back Fabregas will inevitably stunt the growth of someone who – based on current form – will be better than him by the time he reaches 27. At the rate he is going; it wouldn’t surprise me if Mr Wenger is correct in his prediction. Rambo is a class act and is en route to being a world class player.
Fourfiveone 
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