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Aaron Ramsey is the best player in the Premier League this season, says Manchester City coach Patrick Vieira

Manchester City development coach also praised Arsene Wenger for his faith in the midfielder

James Gheerbrant
Monday 27 January 2014 02:00 GMT
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Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey in action against Manchester City
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey in action against Manchester City

Arsenal great Patrick Vieira says Aaron Ramsey is the best player in the Premier League this season.

Ramsey is set to return from a thigh injury against Southampton on Tuesday, and Vieira believes the midfielder is crucial to Arsenal’s chances of maintaining their position at the top of the Premier League.

“If Arsenal are top, it’s because [Ramsey] has been the best player at the start of the season,” the Frenchman said. “He has been terrific…the most consistent player in the Premier League.”

Ramsey had already scored eight goals in 18 appearances this season before his injury, but Vieira believes the Welshman is a more complete midfielder than that statistic might suggest.

“At the start of the season he was fantastic because of the number of goals he scored from midfield, but also the number of goals he created,” said Vieira.

Vieira, who is now in charge of the development squad at Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City, also paid tribute to manager Arsene Wenger for his support of Ramsey.

"Arsene is really good at developing and trusting young players,” he said. “What stopped Ramsey's progress was injuries in the last few years, but now he has sorted that out. Credit to Arsenal and Arsene who believed in him.”

And Vieira said Ramsey’s success was due reward for the Welshman’s diligent approach. He said: “Even with all the injuries, Aaron’s kept working hard, believing in himself and that he could make it. The ability has always been there and I’m pleased he is now showing what he is capable of.”

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