Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsay will be handed the honour of leading his side out at Millennium Stadium on Saturday against England, and with it will be become the youngest player to have ever worn the arm-band for Wales. But is he the right man?
The 20-year-old started his first game in ten months when he turned out for Nottingham Forest in December while on loan at the Championship club, and since returning to Arsenal has gradually increased his match-fitness as he looks to cement a regular first team spot. He may well sell plenty of new football kits over the coming years but before he has a chance to make a name for himself, he has to contend with the small task of leading his country into battle against their arch enemies.
The talented midfielder faces criticism from within, as former Wales skipper Kevin Ratcliffe questioned his ability to do the job.
“For somebody who hasn't played a great deal of football at his club, I think he's shown great faith in the lad.” He said of Gary Speed’s decision.
"I know his qualities as a player, but is he a leader? For me at the moment he is very immature I think to be a captain.”
Ramsey will face a tough task when he comes up against an England team intent on repairing the damage done to their reputation over the past 12 months, and in his first international game in 16 months he could have done without the added attention the job inevitably brings.
The former Cardiff man needs to focus on his own game for the time being as he looks to establish himself as a force in the Premier League, and could have done without the added burden.
Although Ramsey is an extremely talented and promising midfielder, it says a lot about the state of Welsh football that they are forced to rely on a 20-year-old to lead the charge.
Craig Bellamy would have been expected to skipper the side, but passed over the armband after knee-problems prevent him from playing every game for his country. The situation bears a similarity with the England captaincy issue, where regular injuries to Rio Ferdinand meaning John Terry has been handed the job.
Both countries look to have botched the handling of the situation, but England will claim they have the right man for the job eventually, can Wales?
James Collins has been excellent for the past two seasons at Villa and is one of the most consistent centre backs in the Premier League; Speed would have been better off handing the captaincy to someone who will be able to stand strong against England, and not a youngster looking to work his way back into the side.
The Wales boss will stick by the old adage that if he is good enough he is old enough, and Ramsey does carry himself in a manner that betrays his young age. He will not be relied on to give an inspirational speech as any player not motivated to face England is probably in the wrong job and will look to lead by example as possibly the most talented member of the squad.
The Wales team does have the look of a young team that needs time to gel together, with the likes of Joe Ledley, Gareth Bale, Chris Gunter, Ashley Williams and Ramsey himself forming the core of the team expected to face England. As the leader of the new wave of Welsh talent, Ramsey is relishing the chance to captain the side and his determination to do the job has to be admired.
If the game goes against Ramsey and Wales, all eyes will be on Speed and the lack of protection he has given to the young Arsenal midfielder.
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Mathew Ponde Assesses Our Thrashing Of Porto..
Last night was awesome. It was a perfect match in every sense. What was special was that we had such a performance without Fab4. It does wonders to the team confidence.
In my opinion we need to rest him for the next few games so that we avert his injury. He is on the brink of a major injury and Wenger knows that.
Nasri was at his best. He can do Fab's job very well. Song was on song. Abou was solid. The backline is good like that. With Theo in his current form and hunger, Asharvin with so much energy and motivation and Eboue playing so well we are on for a good end of season.
Bendtner will always be a surprise package. He will miss chances and will score in some games. What he adds though is he is an effective central striker who brings the wingers and midfilders to play and score as well.
We are peaking at the right time.
Go Gooners!
In my opinion we need to rest him for the next few games so that we avert his injury. He is on the brink of a major injury and Wenger knows that.
Nasri was at his best. He can do Fab's job very well. Song was on song. Abou was solid. The backline is good like that. With Theo in his current form and hunger, Asharvin with so much energy and motivation and Eboue playing so well we are on for a good end of season.
Bendtner will always be a surprise package. He will miss chances and will score in some games. What he adds though is he is an effective central striker who brings the wingers and midfilders to play and score as well.
We are peaking at the right time.
Go Gooners!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
FABREGAS TO MISS EVERTON CLASH
Cesc Fabregas has reportedly been ruled out for another week with his hamstring injury and will miss Saturday's game with Everton.
The Arsenal captain has been out of action since aggravating the injury during his match-winning cameo against Aston Villa on December 27. Although Arsene Wenger has expressed his hope that the Spaniard would return to face the Toffees this weekend, The Times reports that he is still yet to resume training.
'Fabregas has not suffered a significant setback to the injury...although his recovery is taking longer than was expected,' the newspaper reports. 'The 22-year-old is targeting a comeback for Arsenal's trip to face Bolton Wanderers on January 17, when Theo Walcott may also return from a muscle strain.'
Arsenal will also have to do without Alex Song for their upcoming matches due to his African Cup of Nations commitments, but it's hoped that Denilson will be able to return for tomorrow night's meeting with Bolton.
The severity of Andrei Arshavin's foot injury remains unclear, but Nicklas Bendtner has reported he hopes to make his comeback by the end of the month. Both Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky could also be available in the near future having returned to training on Monday. from football365
The Arsenal captain has been out of action since aggravating the injury during his match-winning cameo against Aston Villa on December 27. Although Arsene Wenger has expressed his hope that the Spaniard would return to face the Toffees this weekend, The Times reports that he is still yet to resume training.
'Fabregas has not suffered a significant setback to the injury...although his recovery is taking longer than was expected,' the newspaper reports. 'The 22-year-old is targeting a comeback for Arsenal's trip to face Bolton Wanderers on January 17, when Theo Walcott may also return from a muscle strain.'
Arsenal will also have to do without Alex Song for their upcoming matches due to his African Cup of Nations commitments, but it's hoped that Denilson will be able to return for tomorrow night's meeting with Bolton.
The severity of Andrei Arshavin's foot injury remains unclear, but Nicklas Bendtner has reported he hopes to make his comeback by the end of the month. Both Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky could also be available in the near future having returned to training on Monday. from football365
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Eduardo Ban Revoked
Arsenal striker Eduardo just wants to focus on Wednesday's Champions League clash against Standard Liege after his two-match ban was annulled by UEFA.
The Croatia forward was initially suspended for allegedly diving to win a penalty against Celtic in their Champions League qualifier at the Emirates at the end of August.
Eduardo successfully converted the spot-kick himself and the Gunners went on to win the game 3-1.
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith was quick to call for action against Eduardo and UEFA subsequently began an investigation, which Gunners boss Arsene Wenger lambasted as a "witch-hunt".
The Premier League club lodged an appeal against the ban which would have ruled the player out of the games against Standard Liege as well as the home match with Olympiacos in a fortnight.
However, UEFA have now announced the ban has been quashed and the 26-year-old has welcomed the end of the episode.
A statement from the Croatia international on Arsenal's website read: "I'm very pleased that we have finally arrived at the truth. All we needed to do was to prove what happened and we have managed to do that. This decision makes me feel a lot better.
"I certainly feel relieved now. I have had great support from my family, friends and of course everyone at the club.
"Now I just want to forget about this and think about our match against Standard Liege on Wednesday. I was always prepared for the match in Belgium because I had good feeling and I always remained positive about the outcome.
"Now we have a final result, I can now look forward to helping the team on Wednesday night.
"All I remember of the incident is that as soon as I had possession of the ball I headed towards goal at full speed. I was very close to the Celtic keeper and felt contact on my foot and then lost my balance. I know perhaps more than anyone else that when you have contact at speed it can be dangerous.
"I just want to say that I'm a fair player. To score goals you must take your opportunities and I'm not the type of player who needs to be dishonest to score goals."
The north London club had been furious with the initial ban and welcomed UEFA's action.
A statement read: "We are grateful that the appeal body focused on the evidence and made the right decision in this case.
"We were able to show that there was contact between the goalkeeper and Eduardo and that the decision of the UEFA disciplinary body should be annulled.
"We fully support the drive for fair play in football and believe it is important that UEFA provide clear and comprehensive standards that will be consistently enforced going forward.
"We are glad to put this incident behind us and concentrate on the games ahead."
UEFA had earlier announced their final decision on www.uefa.com, saying: "The UEFA Appeals body today accepted the appeal lodged by Arsenal FC against the two-match suspension handed to striker Eduardo.
"Following examination of all the evidence, notably the declarations of both the referee and the referees' assessor, as well as the various video footage, it was not established to the panel's satisfaction that the referee had been deceived in taking his decision on the penalty.
"Therefore, the decision of the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body of 1 September, in which the player was suspended for two UEFA club competition matches, is annulled."
The Croatia forward was initially suspended for allegedly diving to win a penalty against Celtic in their Champions League qualifier at the Emirates at the end of August.
Eduardo successfully converted the spot-kick himself and the Gunners went on to win the game 3-1.
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith was quick to call for action against Eduardo and UEFA subsequently began an investigation, which Gunners boss Arsene Wenger lambasted as a "witch-hunt".
The Premier League club lodged an appeal against the ban which would have ruled the player out of the games against Standard Liege as well as the home match with Olympiacos in a fortnight.
However, UEFA have now announced the ban has been quashed and the 26-year-old has welcomed the end of the episode.
A statement from the Croatia international on Arsenal's website read: "I'm very pleased that we have finally arrived at the truth. All we needed to do was to prove what happened and we have managed to do that. This decision makes me feel a lot better.
"I certainly feel relieved now. I have had great support from my family, friends and of course everyone at the club.
"Now I just want to forget about this and think about our match against Standard Liege on Wednesday. I was always prepared for the match in Belgium because I had good feeling and I always remained positive about the outcome.
"Now we have a final result, I can now look forward to helping the team on Wednesday night.
"All I remember of the incident is that as soon as I had possession of the ball I headed towards goal at full speed. I was very close to the Celtic keeper and felt contact on my foot and then lost my balance. I know perhaps more than anyone else that when you have contact at speed it can be dangerous.
"I just want to say that I'm a fair player. To score goals you must take your opportunities and I'm not the type of player who needs to be dishonest to score goals."
The north London club had been furious with the initial ban and welcomed UEFA's action.
A statement read: "We are grateful that the appeal body focused on the evidence and made the right decision in this case.
"We were able to show that there was contact between the goalkeeper and Eduardo and that the decision of the UEFA disciplinary body should be annulled.
"We fully support the drive for fair play in football and believe it is important that UEFA provide clear and comprehensive standards that will be consistently enforced going forward.
"We are glad to put this incident behind us and concentrate on the games ahead."
UEFA had earlier announced their final decision on www.uefa.com, saying: "The UEFA Appeals body today accepted the appeal lodged by Arsenal FC against the two-match suspension handed to striker Eduardo.
"Following examination of all the evidence, notably the declarations of both the referee and the referees' assessor, as well as the various video footage, it was not established to the panel's satisfaction that the referee had been deceived in taking his decision on the penalty.
"Therefore, the decision of the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body of 1 September, in which the player was suspended for two UEFA club competition matches, is annulled."
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thierry the greatest + our new signings (in brief)
After having run a poll on this blog, it seems like the results I got correlate with those that came from the official arsenal site. Thierry Henry is the greatest Gunner of all time, congratulations.
About our new signings in particular Ramsey, I say Arsene has unearthed relatively another unknown gem, having watched him the warm up games, I only see good talent. Carlos Vela is already proving to be a hit already, integrating well in to the team, im loving it. Samir Nasri, showed some good signs that he can outclass punks such as Scholes, Ballack & Lennon in the middle, I just can’t wait for the new season to start. Bicshoff I haven’t seen in arsenal colours, but arsene knows and in him we trust. Im out!!
About our new signings in particular Ramsey, I say Arsene has unearthed relatively another unknown gem, having watched him the warm up games, I only see good talent. Carlos Vela is already proving to be a hit already, integrating well in to the team, im loving it. Samir Nasri, showed some good signs that he can outclass punks such as Scholes, Ballack & Lennon in the middle, I just can’t wait for the new season to start. Bicshoff I haven’t seen in arsenal colours, but arsene knows and in him we trust. Im out!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
My short messages for Gilberto and Hleb
To hell with Alex Hleb who was signed from German side VfB Stuttgart in June 2005 and made a total of 129 appearances during his time with Arsenal, scoring an unimpressive 11 goals. I wish Alex the best of bad luck for the future. You shall not be missed at all. Hope you will find Barcelona noisier, fool.
Meanwhile, Gilberto was due to arrive in Athens last night to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on a contract agreed by his representatives last week. To Gilberto I say thank you. You have been a true Gunner, we appreciate your time at the club, I salute you and we will miss you at the Emirates. I’m sure all the gooners out there understand what im trying to say here.
Meanwhile, Gilberto was due to arrive in Athens last night to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on a contract agreed by his representatives last week. To Gilberto I say thank you. You have been a true Gunner, we appreciate your time at the club, I salute you and we will miss you at the Emirates. I’m sure all the gooners out there understand what im trying to say here.
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