AARON RAMSEY

Ramsey became one of the most sought-after young players in Europe after impressing with Cardiff during the 2007-08 season and signed for Arsenal for around £5 million in June.

Beginning his career at Cardiff, who beat off competition from Newcastle United to sign the youngster as an eight-year old for their youth academy, Ramsey worked his way through the system to eventually make his debut in the 2006-07 season. In doing so, Ramsey became the youngest player to ever play for Cardiff City, aged just 16 years and 124 days.

Everton were the first club to try and lure Ramsey away with a £1 million offer, although the deal was to start with a payment of £200,000 and rise depending on his future achievements. At the end of his first full season, Man Utd reportedly offered £5 million for him to be loaned back to Cardiff, but Ramsey was keen to develop his career and when his club accepted an offer from Arsenal which had no such clause, he moved to London.

While he did not make an immediate impact, he shone in bursts and in July 2009, Ramsey signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal. However, his career was halted in February 2010, as he suffered a double leg break after a tackle from Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross and is keen to prove he has recovered fully after a loan spell back in Cardiff.

Indeed, the Welshman proved he had made a full recovery from his horrific injury by making 44 appearances in all competition during the 2011-12 season. His form, though, was patchy, leading to question marks over his ability to cut the mustard at Arsenal.

Strengths: His footballing brain is very clever and he can see space and pick a pass. Mature and confident, he is excellent on the ball.

Weaknesses: Sometimes a little rash in possession, he loses out in physical battles and can be caught out positionally as well.

Career high: Captaining Wales against England in the European Championship qualifiers in March 2011 after returning from long term injury.

Career low: A double leg break against Stoke put him out for almost a year and threatened to derail his young career.

Style: Fearless, clever, classy, a confident midfielder.

Quotes: “The difference in his strength and his maturity - both on and off the pitch - was amazing. It really was a case of someone leaving as a boy and coming back as a man … He is so strong mentally, and he certainly hasn’t been holding anything back.” Cardiff boss Dave Jones saw a change in Ramsey when he returned on loan.

Trivia: Wales and Nottingham Forest defender Chris Gunter, who previously played at Cardiff and Tottenham, was once Ranmsey’s landlord.