' Aaron Ramsey? '
How Important is Aaron Ramsey to Wales’ Qualification Hopes?
Aaron Ramsey returns to the Wales setup but just how crucial is he to Wales’ World Cup qualification hopes?
By Nathan Loveridge
Wednesday 9th November 2016
There is no doubt about it. Aaron Ramsey plays a pivotal role in the Welsh team; his driving runs through the middle often allow Wales the opportunity for an effort on goal. It is not only his creativity, but also his composure on the ball that make him an essential asset to the Welsh outfit.
He was a stand-out player in the European Championships in France and a key reason behind Wales’ success, knitting everything together and linking the defence and attack together, along with Joe Allen. He is frustrating for the opposing team and exciting for Welsh fans with the ball at his feet.
You only have to look at the recent games where Wales have featured without the midfield maestro, most memorable in the Euro 2016 semi-final against Portugal where Wales lacked threat going forward and ultimately couldn’t find the net in the 2-0 defeat.
Aaron Ramsey is arguably as valuable in defence as he is going forward and often puts the opposition under pressure by pressing up to them – often causing them to lose possession.
He notably frustrated Edin Hazard in the quarterfinals at the Euro’s against Belgium and the only way that the Belgians could find the back of the net was through a wonder goal from Radja Nainggolan.
His experience, at just age 26, is invaluable and his composure on the ball is top-notch. Wales’ last two qualification matches resulted in draws, away to Austria (2-2) and at home to Georgia (1-1), and it was obvious that the midfield area was exploited.
Austria were able to hold the ball fairly high up the pitch, enabling them to thread long balls over the top of the high defensive Welsh line. The question was asked that if Ramsey had been there, would the Austrians have had the time and space?
The Georgians were also allowed too much space in the Welsh half and strung a nice set of passes together, which gave Tornike Okriashvilli, again posing the question that if ‘Rambo’ had been there, would this have been allowed to happen? The question will forever remain unanswered.
It could be said that Wales need to get a win on Saturday evening when they welcome Serbia to the Cardiff City Stadium, as it’s only the top team in each group that automatically qualify for the World Cup in Russia 2018.
Thankfully for Welsh fans, Aaron Ramsey has had playing time for Arsenal ahead of this clash and will undoubtedly have a large part to play in deciding the outcome. Serbia will be tough to break down and Wales will need the creativity that Ramsey offers up-front as well as his defensive qualities when the Serbians have the ball.
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