Ramsey’s form more important to Arsenal than Ozil’s Why Ramsey’s heroics from last season would mitigate the pressure on playmaker Ozil? by SE Aaron Ramsey’s inclination to wander into the 18-yard area last season was something like an early morning exercise routine. It was something he enjoyed doing. It was something he looked irresistible in. He excelled at carrying it out, too. And, Arsenal, as a result, benefitted hugely. It begs to wonder what could have been, had Ramsey stayed fit and kept plying his early morning routine. However, Arsenal, primarily due to Ramsey’s attacking exploits from last season, won’t have to worry about Ozil not being at his incisive best on most match days, and yet ensure that the German’s form doesn’t act as a detriment to their humongous ambitions. Why do I say that? Purely from a tactical point of view: Ramsey can play as a specialist central midfielder, alongside Mikel Arteta, in Wenger’s enviable system of 4-2-3-1. With Ozil playing in behind the lone striker up top, Ramsey can play just ahead of Arteta in a free, roaming role – akin to what Yaya Toure of Manchester City does. From a statistical point of view: Ramsey made 8 assists and scored 10 goals in the 23 games he got to play in. The German playmaker, however, could make only 9 assists and score 5 goals, despite playing 3 more games than the Welshman. Now, albeit it can be an excuse in Ozil’s case that it was his first season in the Premier League, which doesn’t have a winter break to replenish yourself, the fact that he didn’t live up to the hype surrounding his transfer from Los Blancos would have concerned a few. At the onset of a new season, it’s not uncommon to place your trust on Ozil to deliver in his second season with Arsenal. But, even if he fails this season, Arsenal need not be concerned about Ozil’s misfiring – and that is because of Ramsey’s attacking prowess and the demonstration of superior attacking and goal scoring skills he showcased to all of us last season. So the message to Wenger, if he decides to stick to 4-2-3-1, is that start with Ramsey alongside Arteta and Ozil in his creative role. But if things don’t pan out as planned, push Ramsey into the attacking midfield and swap Flamini or Wilshere for the German Ozil. Ramsey’s versatility to play as a deep-lying midfielder, and also as an attacking midfielder, will free up Ozil and mitigate the pressure on his shoulders, which could, consequently, bring out the best in him. And that would be one hell of a proposition for any team coming up against the Gunners.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 08:18:32 +0000
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