Arsenal: Could Mohamed Elneny Partner Aaron Ramsey In Midfield?
Midfield combinations have been heavily discussed amongst Arsenal fans recently due to Cazorla’s extended absence. Could partnering Elneny with Ramsey bring the best out of the Welshman?
Ever since Cazorla went down with an injury last month, Arsenal’s midfield combination has been like a revolving door. While Ozil always maintains his place in the starting eleven when fit. The two sitting behind him have been the reason for much debate among Arsenal fans recently.
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While Josh often advocates for the inclusion of Xhaka (which I understand). I am more interested in a different player altogether. How can Arsenal get the best out of Aaron Ramsey?
During the 2013/14 season, Ramsey played the best football of his career to date. Goals, assists, tackles, MoTM performances. You name it, Ramsey achieved it. While we have seen glimpses of this form since (the Euros last summer was a big glimpse). In general, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger haven’t really been able to recapture Aaron’s scintillating form from that season.
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Many will point at the fact that Ramsey has been played out of position (on the flanks). While this is a contributing factor. Ramsey hasn’t always delivered, even in his favoured position of central midfield. This got me thinking…which member of the current squad would bring the best out of our Aaron?
In 2013/14 Ramsey partnered captain at the time: Mikel Arteta, and to great effect. The two thoroughly complemented each other. One (Arteta) set the pace of the game and dropped deep to instigate attacks. While the other (Ramsey) drove the team forward putting in a defensive shift as well.
So who in the Arsenal squad could replicate the role of Arteta in the masterful duo mentioned above? Look no further than our Egyptian Engine Mohamed Elneny.
Elneny possesses the same control as captain Mikel did and is more than accurate enough with his passes. He has the ability to take the ball off the centre-backs. While he also has the discipline to sit and stall while Ramsey goes on his lung-busting forward runs.
Both Elneny now and Arteta then are players who receive, I believe, lots of unnecessary criticism. Yes neither of them are world beaters at their best but both possessed and still possess (in Elneny’s case) a brilliant degree of control. The ability to slow down the game and form the basis of attacks through circulation in the midfield is an underrated quality. Yet it is something every team requires to be successful.
The control and poise of Elneny and the drive and pizzazz of Ramsey could be a brilliant match. Wenger just needs to give it the opportunity to develop.
Another reason why the Elnamsey (I need to work on that, I know) duo excites me is their physical potential. Both players have tremendous stamina and would be able to hurt tired sides in the closing stages of matches. How many times have we seen either Elneny or Ramsey hounding the opposition late in the game. Imagine this effect combined?!
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It may not be the first combination that pops up in the heads of Gooners. But Elneny and Ramsey could potentially form a great partnership in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield. So what do you think Gooners? Is Elneny the man to bring the best out of Aaron Ramsey, or will we have to continue waiting for that stunning form of the 13/14 season?