As we return to Emirates FA Cup action at Wembley this weekend, memories inevitably flood back of Aaron Ramsey’s extra-time heroics in the 2014 final.
The Wales international had capped off a superb individual campaign by poking Olivier Giroud’s backheel past Hull City’s Allan McGregor to secure our first trophy in nine years.
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Injuries have hampered Ramsey’s progress since that unforgettable afternoon, but Arsene Wenger is confident the 26-year-old still has a big role to play.
“In my head Ramsey was going to be a player between 10 and 15 goals a year,” the manager said. “He is a Frank Lampard type. He is [about] getting in the box and he has a huge capacity to run. Physically, he has a combination of stamina, power and his capacity to repeat high intensity is certainly the best in the league.
“This season has been very frustrating for Aaron. I looked the other day, he has started seven games in the Premier League. When I realised that, it was unbelievable, but it’s because of injuries - and not big ones. Every time it’s a niggling one and when he came back from those - boom - a little calf - boom - a little hamstring.
“He looked fit on Monday but I hope he will have a strong end to the season because he is an important player for me. He has it all in the locker to be defensive and offensive. So that is for me a vital part of the game we want to play. We do not only want to defend, we want to defend and attack.
“These kind of players are very important. I also think he is at his best age as a midfielder when you look at it at the start of the season. He is a player who can take the role of Mesut Ozil. When Ozil needs a breather you can play Aaron there, but he was not there earlier this season.”
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