Their talents may belie their incredibly young years, but Arsenal duo Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere have fallen foul of their teenage bodies as life in the Gunners first team takes it’s toll on the midfield pair.
Central midfielder Ramsey made 16 professional appearances for Cardiff before his switch to the Emirates, with Bluebirds boss Dave Jones wary of putting too much pressure on the starlet, with all Aaron’s games coming over a two year period.
However, since the Welshman’s arrival in London, he has already featured in nearly all of Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures, with the intense training and tempo of the Gunners play effecting the 17-year-old. His former Cardiff team mate Riccardo Scimeca warned earlier in the summer of the pressures in England’s top flight, with the former West Brom defender explaining the Leagues were a ‘100 mph’ apart in terms of speed.
The Champions League clash against FC Twente was Ramsey’s first competitive start for the club, but as the game drew to a close – the signs of fatigue were obvious. The final telling point came on Wednesday evening, as the Caerphilly born prospect was pulled off after an hour of Wales’ 1-0 defeat to Romania.
With injuries limiting Arsène Wenger’s options in the centre of the park, Aaron has been made to struggle on.
Whilst Ramsey is set to keep going in Wenger’s side, the Frenchman has taken a lighter approach with Jack Wilshere, but injury problems have none the less seen the Hale End Boy on the bench despite the promise of a rest.
With regulars set to come back to full training inside the next month, the pair could find themselves in Reserves action around Christmas time, a competition the pair would have been looking to make an impact on in normal circumstances.
Their rise has helped plug the gap for a short period of time, but the duo must still be treated as youngsters.
Article By – J.Sanderson
dey r the future of arsenal
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is ready to hand new loan signing Armand Traore his debut at home to Manchester United on Monday after Niko Kranjcar picked up an ankle injury.
Kranjcar suffered an injury while on international duty for Croatia against Slovenia on Wednesday so Traore, who joined on a season-long deal from Arsenal on Thursday, could go straight into the starting line-up at home to the reigning champions.
“Niko has done his ankle and I don’t think he’ll be fit,” he said. “Hopefully it won’t be too long before he is, but it’s swollen and it’s sore.
“I would have no qualms about putting Traore in on Monday at all, though. I wouldn’t hesitate to put him in.
“He has trained with us and I brought him here to play. The kid is a terrific player.”
EVERYONE BETTER B WATCHIN DAT MATCH
These kids are gonna be fcuked before their time if we arent careful.
am i first?…yea..but wilshere and ramsey r being pulled into first team action a lot earlier than expected..but only cos its necessary!..but the best part is we have only slighta easier fixtures..which actually shd give em some good game time..if the match gets killed off too soon!
Hey there, I usually really enjoy your site. I think this article is rather light though.
Are you saying the pair may not make the initial reserves matches? Surely, they will see Carling Cup action…
Also, the Boss has already expressed his concerns re: Ramsey’s understanding of the game and technical/tactical ability. Likewise, he came out and said a couple of weeks ago that Jack Wilshere needs a break. Don’t really see what your after in this article.
Wilshere is really a special talent I think Wenger will still keep him on the bench as he can produce something out of nothing when we need to. Ramsey is one for the future I dont think he will play alot this season
J what’s the name of the irish youngster we signed from galway united a few weeks back
Arsene must be making sure these kids know just what it takes to make it at Arsenal, or at any top 4 club for that matter. No one should be given an easy ride. Look at what’s happened with most of our previous home-grown British talents, from David Bentley to Anthony Stokes, very few have had the fight or the patience in them to make it all the way to the first team. I think Wenger now wants to find out sooner rather than later if a young player can handle it, so he’s testing their strength and ambition by occasionally throwing them in at the deep end more often. We’ve seen how Ramsey, a player hotly tipped as one of the most promising teenagers in the country, has had a real baptism by fire since stepping up to the top level. It’s a good thing, because you don’t want a talented young player getting big headed and believing their own hype too much.
“Aaron has been made to struggle on”
You make it sound like were playing him into the ground ala Owen at liver pool.
Maybe played one game too long with FC Twente but “With injuries limiting Arsène Wenger’s options in the centre of the park” we have Denilson, Song, Nasri, Djourou and even Eboue who will play ahead of Ramsey.
Hello,
Look at Cesc. He started as a 16 year old and haven’t had a problem to adjust. Why should it be any different for Wilshire or Ramsey? To play at top level you must start early to get used to the life in the premiership. Don’t think they are being pushed into it too soon.
The point Im trying to make is that they are just kids, yes they are talented, but we cannot expected too much too soon.
Johnny – It was James McArthur, but the deal collapsed because he didn’t want to leave Ireland.
that’s a pity as i’m irish i would have liked to see a good young lad coming through at arsenal and he would have gotten a bit of extra attention from liam brady, he’s been released from hospital
yes they are young and yes they should not be pushed too hard but I dont think they have been. they have not played for 2 weeks now. I agreed with not using Ramsey in 2 games a week but 1 a week should be OK for the lad. Wilshere wont get many games anyway what with the competition for wing places. Ramsey played for Wales so I doubt he’ll play at Fulham but no reason why he cant come back in for Twente.
js is fran merida news still alive and kicking cause i cant find the link on ur site.
Nope Tim, Eliott decided to close the blog, i don’t think he has the time to keep it going.
Arsene knows what he’s doing, as always… the lad’s will eventually have the type of match fitness expected of Arsenal players. I think we’ll see plenty of Ramsey this season, with Wilshere being brought along a bit more slowly, being more slight of build. But both look to be brilliant talents for the (near) future.
So Ramsey joined Arsenal because they give opportunities to younger players and you think that they’re tired and need a break? What other club the size of Arsenal would give a chance for these young players to show what they’ve got and how they cope? Fabregas was starting prem games at 16 and took his chances when they were given to him.
I agree with sending them back to the reserves as it will keep them and us as suppourters from expecting too much too soon.
But both will be top class players no doubts about that.
hahahahaha check this video!!!! http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PFdMqEH7QUw i mean wtf.
he catted goonerchris’ pic, looool.
Good article Jay.
This is the first real taste of EPL paced football for Ramsey and Wilshere. They will take time to adjust and gradually get used to it, but for now just need a rest. That’s normal.
Wenger will bring them in when he feels they can deal with it. He never wants to rush youngsters, and that’s part of the reason for him looking for 1 more mature midfielder.
This time next year, these boys will be stronger, and the season after that they’ll be good to go. Still teenagers, but look at Cesc.
Good post J. I hope they’ll be patient and when the time comes take the opportunity. I don’t see why Wilshere and Ramsey can’t make an appearance against teams in the bottom half of the table or at least make the bench. Obviously if we had a complete squad injury free then it’d be hard for not just them to get in a squad for a game. Bendtner and Vela would be behind Eduardo in terms of strikers so there’s a couple keeping an eye on who’s returning.
I hope we see a bit of Vela this weekend even if it’s on the wing. He can be a good sub this season for us, Bendtner too in different situations.
Does anybody know if Merida is going on loan or is staying? I know Wenger and a lot of people rate him highly so why don’t we keep him as possible cover for Fabregas who was a certain starter at his age.
I really agreed with marko, why should we always talk about ramsey and wilshere without mentioning merida? I really convinced by his performance through his development in loan.
its true , i feel because Ramsey and Wilshere are British players like Merida, Barazite do not get enough credit as they deserve
I think Wenger’s under a bit of pressure to play the British players. The reality is regardless, these guys are still just kids. What were you guys doing at 16? People keep saying what Fabregas did but he was and exception, not the rule. Relax.
On another note, Traore is going to put on a show against Man Utd. Krancjar is going to lose his place in the team because that kid is definitely good enough to play on the wing. He’s got pace, power, and good placement. We’ll see how he does.
Just to clear things up, Fabregas never played in the EPL before he turned 17.
I think that Merida and Ramsey will be almost always in the squad this season, at least Ramsey. The case with Wilshere is very different as he is younger. He will slowly be integrated into the side. I think Jack might start some games, then maybe being pulled out for a bit, even playing the occasional reserves game.
All I know is that if we play both Ramsey and Wilshere in the youth cup, we have already won that competition.
A rather poor article. A compliment really because you have set high standards.
Arsenal U18’s vs Everton U18’s ended 3-1 but i do not know who too yet
Is merida training with Arsenal to get back his fitness as he missed pre-season? (I know he played u19). Hope he stays and gets a handful of games as he is older than Ramsey but both are similar in potential and ability.
Pingback: Top Posts « WordPress.com