" JOE RALLS/AARON RAMSEY? "

Cardiff City youngster Joe Ralls is blossoming... he reminds me of a young Aaron Ramsey - Sian Matheson


Tuesday 24 March 2015

By Sian Matheson

Calm, composed youngster must be given a run in the Bluebirds team after another great display in win against Birmingham


SILKY skills, confidence and natural ability... Joe Ralls reminds me so much of former Bluebird Aaron Ramsey.

I’m a big fan of Ralls and Saturday’s 2-0 win over Birmingham was a perfect example of why.

The youngster brought a balance and calmness to the midfield, not to mention creativity, which has been lacking all season.


He is so calm and composed on the ball and displayed many a classy touch whether he was running past defenders or looking to create an opening for those around him.

Indeed, that natural ability reminded me so much of ex-City star Ramsey.

Also reminiscent of the Wales and Arsenal ace, Ralls seems to look at home wherever he plays – be it at full-back, as he has been deployed recently, or out wide and then moving into central midfield as was the case on Saturday.


Ralls is also not afraid to have a shot at goal himself, which is refreshing to see.

So could Ralls be Cardiff’s next Ramsey?

Well only if he is given a fair crack of the whip.

And it seems a waste that he only appears to feature in the starting line-up when there’s an injury or suspension.


For me, that’s such a misuse of talent.

Especially at a time when further impending cost-cutting and player exits are beckoning but, I hope, Ralls is recognised as being just too important to the future Cardiff cause.

Indeed, in my opinion, Russell Slade should be putting the youngster down as one of the first names on the teamsheet, not waiting to use him as a replacement when an injury arises.

In fact, looking ahead long-term, Slade should be starting to build a team around Ralls,


Between him and Matty Kennedy, who also displayed some exciting skills in the win over Birmingham, flourishing young talents must be kept hold of and utilised to its full potential.

Slade has said there will be more player exits and arrivals over the summer and I understand high wages need to be trimmed.

Cardiff can no longer live beyond their means and need to be sensible over players.

And, although I was initially shocked and angry about Matt Connolly’s quick loan move to Watford after one of his best games of the season, if a fee was involved then it actually makes financial sense as Cardiff now have little to play for.

But, with so many season ticket holders still waivering over whether to renew, securing the potential starlets of Ralls and Kennedy could help sway many decisions into parting with the cash.

If – or rather when – big names and wages do leave, Cardiff’s youngsters are even more important, which is why they need to be playing regularly.

And Slade needs to find a good mix of experience to help the youngsters flourish to utilise them fully.

Indeed, my lasting impression of former manager Dave Jones was his refusal to start Ramsey in the 2008 FA Cup final.

And we all know how that turned out.

I’m not saying had Ramsey started, Cardiff would have beaten Portsmouth to clinch the FA Cup trophy but we’ll never know how the youngster with so much ability could have influenced the game from kick-off.

Fabio had a solid game at right back

Also, another youngster showing ability in the Cardiff shirt is Fabio.

On Saturday, the Brazilian was a close call against Ralls for my man of the match.

He won tackles, tracked back, burst forward and even won challenges in the air.

And if he loses possession, like Ralls, Fabio endeavours to regain the ball at every opportunity.

That enthusiasm is so refreshing to see, it’s just impossible to buy that commitment.

Fabio also combined well with Bruno Manga to snuff out any danger.


Although I somehow doubt the Gabon international will survive the summer squad trimming and be at the club next season.

The only downside from Saturday’s victory was the trouble in the Birmingham end.

And it again raised the question of whether the Family Stand should actually be situated next to the away section at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Admittedly, it was a minority and trouble is very rarely seen at the stadium.

However, nevertheless, it must have been frightening for children being subjected to that situation, no matter how quick the police and stewards reacted.

A level of banter between fans is obviously an expected common occurrence, but there’s no excuse for violence.

There is also a level of decorum expected in the behaviour of footballers and even managers.

And the Blues’ manager Gary Rowett being sent to the stands himself for an altercation over a throw-in hardly set the correct example.

But despite the ugly elements witnessed, for the first time in a long while I actually walked home with a smile on my face after Saturday’s victory.

Those three points were long overdue, certainly as a nod to the faithful supporters present, albeit certainly not 20,500-odd quoted as the official attendance,

Understandings on the pitch are starting to develop, but I can’t help but wonder if those partnerships are already numbered with the impending summer cull.

Lets hope We dont sell Ralls as quick.

Joe Ralls reminds Sian of one of the greatest talents of his generation, ffs

No comparison, not even close.

reminds me more of a jobi macanuff or a joe ledley not in style ways
in terms of measuring.

very bizare to reference ramsey he was sold at 17-18 ralls is already what 22-23
always has been a good player at this level subsequently taken out of the team and left for two seasons
now doing what we all know he can has a future at this level

Joe Ralls is decent but he's nowhere near as good as Ramsey was

What a load of crap he's nowhere near where Ramsey was at 19 where he is now at 22.

I still think Ralls needs to bulk up a bit. For me, he's deservedly pushed himself into the first team but still needs to improve if he wants to be considered a first team regular next season. He's still young though so hopefully he can progress and game time will only help that.

Ralls is a good Championship player and I like him a lot but he is nowhere near Ramsey, and never will be. But for us he will still be an important player in years to come.

Im not even going to read it, the heading is stupid enough.

Ridiculous comparison really.

Im not even going to read it, the heading is stupid enough.

Dear me! I wish Sian would say these things out loud in a pub before writing them. She would see from the reaction how plain daft it sounds. AR is probably one of the most gifted players aver to wear a Bluebirds shirt. By the time he was the same age as ralls, he had made it so the comparison is stupid.

Mind you, Slade does remind me of a young Alf Ramsey!!

Im not even going to read it, the heading is stupid enough.

Me too! I also took into account who wrote it!

Yet to read an article of her's which I can even slightly agree with.

Joe Ledley is a sensible comparison.

Im not even going to read it, the heading is stupid enough.

Im not even going to read it, the heading is stupid enough.

I couldn't bring myself to read why she came to that opinion. Tempted but I just know it will be a load of utter cack.

Jesus Christ do people get paid to write this shite ? No comparison between the two !

I was very impressed with Joe on Saturday, especially after he moved inside when Gunnarsson went off. He has been developed nicely by the club and should now be playing regularly next season. I hope young Mason has come on at the same rate and we may yet have a successful season next year.

Lets hope We dont sell Ralls as quick.

Exactly what I was thinking annis

Nowhere near his class and never will be, lazy journalism!

Utter garbage!!! Ralls has never been in the same class or skill level as Ramsey and probably never will.

As soon as I saw the title I knew who wrote the article do decide to stop reading there and then.

This lady writes some rubbish..... Would she get paid for it or is she a glorified blogger

This lady writes some rubbish..... Would she get paid for it or is she a glorified blogger

Wannabe, fella!

It's noted that no one has ever seen her and Tucker in the same room!

Hmmmmm

This lady writes some rubbish..... Would she get paid for it or is she a glorified blogger

Wannabe, fella!

It's noted that no one has ever seen her and Tucker in the same room!

Hmmmmm

Get in there Tucker!