Wednesday, 19 November 2008

‘It’s all about Aaron Ramsey, Aaron Ramsey, Aaron Ramsey’

Wales manager, John Toshack, tried to calm the hype surrounding 17-year-old Aaron Ramsey's debut in the Wales senior side tonight, by saying:

"It's not all about Aaron Ramsey, Aaron Ramsey, Aaron Ramsey".

But Wales captain, Craig Bellamy's flattering comments about the young Arsenal midfielder - saying he "cannot recall as much fuss about a young Wales player since Ryan Giggs" - has not helped to quell the nation's expectation.

Aaron Ramsey has already proved that he can handle this kind of pressure when coming on as a sub in Cardiff's FA Cup final in May earlier this year:

And he has also looked impressive in a string of appearances for his new club Arsenal in the Champions League and Carling Cup this season.

Tenacity

The Welshman's quality of passing has prompted comparisons with the imperious Cesc Fabregas.

But Ramsey's tenacity - his ability to hold off players despite his under-developed physical frame - will prove equally important to his success, particularly in the combative English game.

Injuries have forced Toshack into naming a very youthful squad - half the squad are under 25 - against an experienced Danish set-up in Copenhagen.

There's a great deal of promise from the young Welsh on show, however. Hull City's 25-year-old goalkeeper, Boaz Myhill, has convinced in the Premiership so far and is expected to win his third Wales cap.

Manchester City's 19-year-old striker, Ched Evans, has been handed glimpses of the pressures of the Premiership and is likely to feature alongside captain Craig Bellamy up front.

Some view friendly internationals as the perfect opportunity to blood the youth and see how they handle the pressure.

Rest assured, Ramsey will not disappoint.



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