Why the Xhaka-Ramsey partnership is good enough for Arsenal
Hello Gooners!
The medias have been saying that our midfield has been weak in the past couple of years. While it is hard to disagree with that, I still believe there are many reasons to feel optimistic about our new Xhaka-Ramsey partnership.
At the end of last season, we saw both Ramsey and Xhaka shine together and lead us to a third FA Cup in three years. Besides good form, there are a few reasons to believe this midfield duo can work.
First of all, the switch to a back 3 makes the team less vulnerable and less reliable on a strong midfield. It also suits Ramsey, because it allows him to play as a box-to-box midfielder, which has always been his best position. He can then focus more on offense, and make runs that other defenses always find difficult to stop (that goal in the FA Cup final!). It makes our attack much less predictable, and more enjoyable to watch. With his incredible cardio, Ramsey will still always be there on defense, and so will not be a liability on that side of the ball.
His partner, Xhaka, can, with the new formation, avoid having to play emergency defense (which we all know he has to improve, because some of his tackles, damn…), because we always have three defenders. He also doesn’t have to be our offensive spark. He simply has to focus on distributing the ball, and sometimes finding the key pass, which he is brilliant at! We also know he is still young, and can only improve after his first season in the Premier League.
Ramsey will always bring energy and movement, while Xhaka brings calmness, composure and good positioning. I do believe this duo can make us champions again. Here is to seeing them make wonders again, in a couple of weeks!
What do you think?
COYG!
Francois (gooner from Canada)