16. Aaron Ramsey

When he signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2008, Aaron said his decision to move from Cardiff to North London had been influenced by Arsène Wenger's penchant for giving youngsters first-team opportunities.

The Welshman was vindicated last term when he made 22 appearances for the senior side - the same number that he finished his Bluebirds career with after rising through the ranks at Ninian Park to become their youngest player at the age of 16 years 124 days.

Aaron turned down Manchester United to join Arsenal and he has already showed just why Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson rate him so highly. Technically sound, assured in possession and blessed with an eye for goal, Aaron is one of the most promising young players in Britain.

He has already played in an FA Cup Final, coming on as a substitute when Cardiff were beaten by Portsmouth in May 2008. And he has already scored in the Champions League, firing a shot in off the post when Arsenal beat Fenerbahce 5-2 in last season's competition.

Aaron admits he is a "different animal" after a year at Emirates Stadium and is expected to start more games this term after making more than half of his appearances as a substitute last season. He laid down a marker for a run in the team with some outstanding pre-season displays and a goal against Portsmouth to open his Premier League account.

Aaron is expected to be a shining light at Arsenal for years to come and he will be just as important to his country. The youngest player to represent Wales at Under-21 level, Aaron made his senior debut against Denmark in November 2008 and heads a new generation of Welsh talent which also includes Jack Collison and Chris Gunter.

 

MY YEAR

January

Aaron featured in four of Arsenal's games in January. The 19-year-old started the Premier League fixtures against Everton and Aston Villa and scored the Gunners' equaliser after starting in the FA Cup Third Round tie away at West Ham United. He also appeared as a substitute in the Fourth Round defeat to Stoke City.

December

Aaron was the only player to feature in all eight of Arsenal's first-team fixtures during December. The Welshman started four times and bagged two goals, including one against Portsmouth that he described as his "best Arsenal goal so far," in an interview with Arsenal TV Online at the end of an impressive month for the youngster.

November

Aaron played in three of Arsenal's five November fixtures and was named man of the match after playing a part in all three of Wales' goals in their 3-0 win against Scotland. He scored the final goal of the game after collecting the ball 40-yards out and bursting into the penalty area to guide the ball home. After watching the game, Arsène Wenger said Ramsey's performance highlighted his qualities. "I am very happy that from game to game he shows how good he will be," said the manager. "He has a lot of qualities and I believe he is developing very well."

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