Sport
Is it time for Aaron Ramsey to return to the Premier League?
What started out as Gareth Bale’s night, with the Cardiff City Stadium packed to celebrate the winger’s 100th cap for Wales, ended with the focus on Aaron Ramsey as he scored twice in a 5-1 win over Belarus. His performance in the 2022 World Cup qualifier was a reminder of everything the 30-year-old offers on a football pitch.
Ramsey hasn’t appeared all that much on a football pitch this season. In fact, the midfielder has started more games for Wales (three) than he has for Juventus in Serie A (one). Despite being one of the highest-paid players at Allianz Stadium, Aaron Ramsey has become a forgotten figure for the Bianconeri.
Injuries have certainly been a factor but Ramsey has also lost the trust of many at Juventus, including those who are suspicious of his fitness issues and how they always seem to clear up for every international break. Publicly, Allegri maintains that the Welshman has a future at the club but perhaps not in his favoured position further forward.
“I think if Ramsey can be convinced to play in front of the defence, he can really do well there,” the Juve boss recently explained when asked for his views on Ramsey’s place in his squad. “He already can see passing channels, has a good sense of the geometry of the field and can also rest on the ball more than he does upfront.”
This isn’t a role that suits Ramsey. Instead, he must look for a new club that will embrace him for what he is – one of the best attack-minded midfielders in the game. His recent performances for Wales prove that he is still capable at the top level and deserves better than to be ostracised at Juventus.
A January return to the Premier League is surely on Ramsey’s agenda. A number of clubs have been linked with the 30-year-old including Newcastle United will be looking for new additions once the transfer window opens again. Ramsey could get in on the ground floor of a team that will surely make great strides over the coming seasons.
Of course, a move to St James’ Park would come with immediate risk attached. Newcastle United find themselves engulfed by a relegation fight. Before Newcastle United can start plotting the route to titles and trophies, they must first consolidate their place in the Premier League. Ramsey’s arrival would help them do this, but would the 30-year-old be up for a scrap against the drop at this stage of his career?
Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been linked with a move for the Juventus player, might be a better option for Aaron Ramsey. Antonio Conte could use a midfielder like Ramsey to give his new team drive and goal threat through the centre of the pitch. The Welshman would have to prepare himself for the backlash of joining Arsenal’s biggest rivals, but this would be an exciting time to sign for Spurs.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Ramsey in the past, but they require a central midfielder in a different mould at this moment in time. A return to Arsenal might appeal, but Mikel Arteta’s team have found a new direction in recent months. The Gunners should look to the future instead of going on a nostalgia trip with a former player, even one as good as Ramsey.
The fast and furious nature of the Premier League brings the best out of Aaron Ramsey. He should be applauded for having the ambition to test himself at a foreign club as big as Juventus, but it’s time for the midfielder to return to where he is appreciated most. There would be no shortage of suitors for him in January.
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