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Former Arsenal player Perry Groves reckons Aaron Ramsey is “absolutely good enough” to replace the iconic Xavi at Barcelona. It was confirmed yesterday that the Spanish legend will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the campaign to join Qatari side Al Sadd.
The rumour mill wasted no time drumming up possible replacements for Xavi, and reports of a whopping £50million bid for Aaron Ramsey have begun to do their rounds. Luis Enrique is reportedly a massive fan of the player and has scouted him on numerous occasions.
Barca of course have a transfer ban at the moment, but are expected to attempt to find a loophole in order to prize Ramsey. Wenger has already moved to poor cold water on these claims, but that will do nothing to stop the rumours. Ramsey was one of five players to be granted a long term contract extension.
Perry Groves commented on the matter to TalkSports, saying Aaron Ramsey offers something to the midfielders at Barca, and is capable of replacing Xavi.
“Aaron Ramsey has the passing range and the technical abilities, and more importantly you have to have the mental strength to play for Barcelona because of the pressure you’re under,” he said.
“(He’ll be replacing)Xavi because he’s going to Qatar. He’s been on the bench quite a lot this year. He’s absolutely good enough.
“If you’ve got Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic, they’re very good technical players but they don’t have the running capabilities of Aaron Ramsey. Barcelona are looking for something different and he will give them that.
“He’ll give them something different because a lot of his game is based on his running power and getting up front to support Olivier Giroud or getting beyond him.”
Groves said last week’s match against United convinced him of Ramsey’s quality. He said the Welshman’s movement and driving with the ball controlled the match.
“It was highlighted to me he was definitely good enough, for me, in the game against Manchester United at the weekend when he was playing on the right of a three and he was doing ok. But Arsene Wenger changed it and put him and Jack Wilshere as the two central midfielders and Aaron Ramsey completely controlled that game for 25 minutes.”
“He controlled it with his running with the ball, his passing range, and a brilliant pass to Theo Walcott for his goal, which was underplayed.”
Interesting viewpoint from Groves, and such high praise. Gooners will hope there is nothing in these rumours, but a comparison to a football legend is always a humbling experience for a player.
