Former Arsenal striker John Hartson has commented today on his countryman Aaron Ramsey, suggesting he would benefit from a loan spell to get regular playing time and regain his form.
"I just think he needs that run of games," said Hartson.
"Maybe if he did go out on loan he'd get that, because he doesn't seem to start many games at Arsenal now and when he does start he's brought off and he doesn't look happy."
It's worth pointing out that Ramsey has to contend with a somewhat crowded Arsenal midfield with a number of players in the same position as him. Hartson acknowledged this, saying:
"With Arsenal you look at their midfield. Arteta, Wilshere, Walcott, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, they've got some really, really gifted players in the midfield," said Hartson.
"So it's up to Aaron to put in the performances week-in, week-out and on the training ground."
"I just don't think he's quite hit the heights in terms of where he was before he got injured, but he will, I'm sure he will.
"He needs to play play with a smile on his face, get back to enjoying football. It just seems as if there's something holding him back at the minute."
Confidence
This has been Ramsey's biggest issue since his return from injury and his loans at Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.
At times he's shown flashes of his pre-Shawcross form, but hesitancy and the tendency of supporters to get on his back has impeded him.
This hasn't been helped by his being played on the wing by Arsene Wenger, which while seemingly pointless is a recognized tactic for players who will play centrally in future; it allows them to learn the roles of a winger and distribute to them better, and to operate better in tight spaces.
Perhaps Hartson is right. If Ramsey went of loan to a Premier League side who played him every week he could regain that lost confidence and eliminate the fear from his game.
But maybe his education on the wing this season is important for his career. Remember he is only 22, he's a young player.
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