Aaron Ramsey: Why Arsenal legend Wenger thinks he'll get back to his best
FT Desk
- 12 Aug 2022 17:15 BST
- 3 min read
Arsene Wenger has backed former Arsenal charge Aaron Ramsey to make a big splash at new club Nice.
Ramsey was once considered one of the Premier League's top central midfielders during his time at the Gunners, but the Wales star has endured mixed fortunes as of late.
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Injury marred his final season with Arsenal and physical problems continued to dog him through a subsequent spell with Juventus, culminating in the club sending him on loan to Rangers in the 2021-22 season and then terminating his contract at the end of the campaign.
Ramsey is now embarking on a new challenge with Nice and made a dream start to life in Ligue 1, netting a late equaliser in his debut to salvage a draw against Toulouse.
And Wenger believes that if he stays injury-free the midfielder can make a big contribution on the Cote d'Azur.
Wenger backs Ramsey to shine
"I know Aaron well, he's a player who will contribute," Wenger told Nice's official website during a visit to the club.
"He had a few injuries in Italy. He needs time to get back to his best, physically.
"He's creative, a finisher. He has the timing to be in the box at the right time. He also has a sort of self-confidence that can help the team grow.
"He's played a huge amount of big games, I think he can also contribute a lot to the team thanks to his experience and ambition."
🏴 2 days away from #OGCNRCSA, @aaronramsey visited to get himself familiar with his new backyard ⏳🔴⚫️#OGCNicepic.twitter.com/oWtVTD9GIC
— OGC Nice 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@ogcnice_eng) August 12, 2022
Nice enjoyed a strong season in 2021-22, and would have qualified for the Europa League in fourth ahead of Rennes were it not for the point deduction the club received following the crowd trouble that caused their match against Marseille to be abandoned.
Wenger was impressed with what he saw at the club and tipped them to once more turn heads this time round.
"I didn't know the training centre before and I liked it a lot," he added.
"You can see Nice is growing. The proof is in the working conditions and the attitude within the club. There's a determination to push on.
"I think the owner has a long-term ambition and is going step by step. That's why I think Nice is well set up, with a good squad and working conditions. Everything is in place to do well."
