Ramsey makes his mark + Adebayor up for award
Add comment October 15th, 2008
Earlier this season, Arsene Wenger made a comment in a press conference that until now has escaped much media attention. After being asked to discuss Theo Walcott’s process for the umpteenth time, Wenger caually inserted the fact that Walcott was not alone in undergoing a transformative process – in fact, Arsene suggested that Aaron Ramsey’s improvement in training was just as dramatic.
Last night, as Wales and England squared off at U21 level, that assertion began to bear fruit. Playing just off the striker, Ramsey scored one absolute belter and set up another (highlights here). Even England coach Stuart Pearce was moved to comment on the excellence of Ramsey’s performance. With another chance to impress in the Carling Cup on the horizon, it surely won’t be long until the Welshman is challenging Denilson for a first-team place.
Jason Banton, who had already once defected to Tottenham Hotspur, has left to join Blackburn. Frankly, we should never have let him come back from Spurs. Sod all that prodigal son nonsense. Once a traitor, always a traitor.Â
Finally today, Emmanuel Adebayor has been nominated for the African Player of the Year. It’s a prestigious award, and judging by his 30 goals last season, he’s got to be in with a shout. With Drogba and Eto’o having such poor seasons last year, this is probably his best ever chance to pick up the top individual prize in African football.
Walcott-watch tonight. Apparently Hleb won’t be playing, which is a shame, because I’d love to see his weird wonky face as Theo zooms past him.
