I always believe that for every disciplined effort, there’s a multiple reward. That was a tenet I lived with for as long as I can remember and I proud to say I’m living that dream.
This can also be applied in the beautiful game and you can look no further than a player like Aaron Ramsey. The bloke arrived as a youngster in 2008, preferring the Gunners over Manchester United and with players like Cesc Fabregas pulling all the strings, Ramsey had the best platform to learn.
After his slow introduction to the thick of things, Ramsey grew in confidence and in time he displaced Denilson and Abou Diaby till that ill-fated moment at the Britannia Stadium when he suffered a double fracture. The injury brought his progress to an abrupt halt and it took a couple of loan spells in lower division sides before he returned to stake his claim for a first team berth.
The departures of Fabregas and Samir Nasri took its toll on Ramsey and he was plunged into the action to play as the club’s newly found creative hub. In his new role, Ramsey struggled for fitness and form and he lost his place to Tomas Rosicky as the Gunners surged to a third place finish.
Despite his on the pitch turmoil, Arsene Wenger kept his faith with his Welsh protégé and handed him a long term contract with his fellow Brits, and some Gunners, who thought they knew better, expressed their disapproval of handing a player in poor form a new deal.
This season, a beast was unleashed from the Welsh Dragon and he went on to score 13 goals in 27 appearances, averaging a goal in two games. His impact on the pitch has been exemplary and it’s not just his goalscoring exploits, Ramsey has also raked up assists, tackles, interceptions and the whole nine yards, making him a very complete footballer.
The tale of Santi Cazorla is one that brings a lot of happy memories. He certainly hasn’t reached the heights and great standards he set in his awesome debut campaign but it would be attributed to the fact that he has been displaced from his natural position by the acquisition of Mesut Ozil.
In his first season with the Gunners. Cazorla was a class act, scoring 12 goals and handing 12 assists, endearing himself to the hearts of the fans worldwide.
In Gedion Zelalem, the Gunners have a gem that is bound to shine like a star and his time will come sooner, rather than later. His performances in the Asia Tour was a firm reminder of his qualities and the Gunners are eager to see the Young German strut his stuff.
The club has announced that these aforementioned players have signed new contracts to extend their futures with the club.
Arsene Wenger expressed his delight as well,
“Cazorla and Ramsey are absolutely key players for us, and this news is a boost to the whole club. Gedion is very young of course, but he has shown already that he has fantastic promise, and we all look forward to his development with us”
It’s heartwarming to see that a lot of players have signed long term deals and it’s going to be beneficial to the overall morale of the team.
I wish the midfield trio all the best in their future endeavors.
Sayonara.
