Aaron Ramsey is more important to Arsenal than Mesut Ozil and could yet become more influential to the Gunners than Cesc Fabregas was during his time in north London.
That’s according to former Liverpool and Denmark midfielder Jan Molby – an Arsenal fan as a boy – who believes Ramsey’s rich vein of form in front of goal has rocketed him to the exalted position of the most dangerous of Emirates players.
Ramsey has hit nine goals already this season and looks as if he is shaping up to be the player which convinced Arsene Wenger to buy him from Cardiff City for just under £5million in 2008.
And Molby said: “His form is not only breath taking but surprising. For the last few years, he has looked like he was just hanging in there. Now, his passing, his vision and his goal-scoring are all sensational.
“Other players may try to lay claim to the title of ‘best player in the league’, but he has been nothing short of amazing this season.
Forget Mesut Ozil: Ramsey is Arsenal’s most important player at the moment.
“In fact, his importance can’t be underestimated. While Olivier Giroud is playing well, he is not prolific. Ramsey’s goal scoring threat has become integral to this side.”
Molby says he was nodded the wink over Ramsey’s ability a few years back.
He added: “Ian Rush and Kevin Ratcliffe first told me about Ramsey some years ago. They said that he was a fantastic passer who saw things early –a sign of a great player. But, if I am honest, I hadn’t seen that talent until now. With confidence flowing through him, he can only get better.
He could become as important to this side – if not more so – than Cesc Fabregas once was.
“Obviously, that is dependent on him continuing this fine form. The goals and assists will invariably get the headlines but he works really hard and puts in the subtle, quiet defensive work. If he continues at this rate he will match Fabregas’s scoring record – it is a total surprise, but he looks exceptional.
“His rise is illustrative of the importance of confidence to a player’s make up. Obviously, firstly you need ability, but also reassurance from your manager, your team mates and the fans for you to show your best form. Confidence is probably 30 per cent of the skill set of a football player.
“Arsenal have never been short of quality players in midfield so Wenger must have seen something special in him in training on a daily basis. He has always persisted with him and credit must go to Wenger, but to the player too.”
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