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Aaron Ramsey Can Be Unlocked With Arsenal Captaincy
By Josh Sippie
Formation debates are one of the hottest topics of Arsenal’s young season. When you get past the lack of converting chances, the inability to compete in Europe, the lack of transfer activity, and more, you wind up back at the formation that Arsenal employs. That’s not to say there are glaring problems with Arsenal’s formation. But there is one major problem: Aaron Ramsey.
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Ramsey is a bit of a thorn in Arsenal’s side, but at no fault of his. I recently covered why Aaron Ramsey should not continue to be forced out onto the right wing. Consider this a sequel. This is the case for Aaron Ramsey to not only get a central midfield role, but to also be the captain of the squad.
By now, you probably think I am crazy. Aaron Ramsey, who is inconsistent, has not tallied a goal or an assist on the year, be captain of the team? Absolutely.
What is the difference between Aaron Ramsey now and Aaron Ramsey from 2013/14? His role on the team. Right now he is a peripheral figure. He is shoved out wide because Arsene Wenger cannot figure out what to do with him. In 2013/14, he was absolutely central to the team. He was the cog that made the team tick. Give the man responsibility and he makes the most of it. If it does not just click right away, give it time. He can absolutely regain that 2013/14 form.
Some people need responsibility to be at their best. When Arsenal needed him most, Aaron Ramsey was at his best. He almost single-handedly propelled Arsenal to their brief periods of success in 2013. Naturally, we will all recall his game-winner against Hull City as well.
Yet Ramsey was replaced in the center of the pitch because he got hurt. When he came back, his place was gone. He has not been given the spot on a consistent basis since. It’s more than just a coincidence that his form has suffered.
Aaron Ramsey has admitted that he would love captaining Arsenal. He has captained Wales, where he is central and crucial to their success. That can be replicated at Arsenal. Plus, Arsenal need a captain. Per Mertesacker has been outspoken and he is a dedicated leader. But his time on the pitch is fading and having another Arteta, captaining from the sidelines, is a questionable endeavor. Why not have a proactive, central figure take the arm band, one that can hold the role for a decade?
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Santi Cazorla is a much more adaptable player for Arsenal. He is a better dribbler and a better crosser. He can play on the wings much better than Ramsey can. Aaron Ramsey needs to be central so that he can influence play all over the pitch without being out of position and negatively impacting the team.
Give the Welshman responsibility and watch what happens. It worked for Wales. It has worked for Arsenal. If Wenger really has the faith he claims to have in Aaron Ramsey, then he should know what is best. It is hard to imagine that the right wing is what is best for him. But I am no Arsene Wenger.
Next: Wenger Must Stop Forcing Ramsey Into Formation