If we are honest about his run in the side in midfield ever since Cazorla got injured, it hasnt been very good, and you've got to say he has not made a solid case to be ahead of Cazorla in that midfield-deep lying position. I think for Ramsey, his best position might be suited further ahead in midfield, maybe the number 10 role, because as a deep lying midfielder he just isn't good-suited for that role, he cannot dictate play like Cazorla, his passing skills-ball retention are not good as Cazorla, and so overall our play gets hurt because of that, if you can't control the ball from midfield then you can't control the game. In the bigger picture though, he has failed to kick off from that incredible season he had back in 13-14, the last 2 seasons have been pretty much okayish with some flashes of very good, but he hasnt been able to consistently be great for us, and that's a problem.
There is no denying his quality but I think he is a little confused as to what his role is. I don't think we're using him properly and it's showing by his performances. What is his ideal position?
I think the issue is that the midfield roles have moved on, from a box-to-box attacking midfielder who can score you goals, take on a few players ect to roles like a playmaker No 10 like Ozil who controls the game and creates space for everyone else, while the CM position is either a defensive general or a Deep Lying Playmaker who controls possession and dictates the tempo, recycling the ball and turning defence in to attack well. Unfortunately even though Ramsey has loads of skills he isn't suited to either role.
Never really liked Ramsey that much tbh. His main problem is that he is so slow. in every department. he is slow at running, passing, shooting, and overall thinking. He had that amazing season in 13-14 and I didnt really know at the time where it came from. He is a good lad, but I don't think he is world class and would probably place him at the level of top half Europa League Premiership side. I was thrilled 4 years or so ago when there was the rumour we were going to sell him to Fulham for 5 mil.
He's a good player but is'nt suited to the deeper starting roll. I would prefer Carzorla or even Wilshere next to Coquelin.
Elneny hasnt been bad so far, what I like about him is he knows how to play with the ball at his feet, he has good passes, and a good shot on him, so maybe he could play the role of deep midfielder, that Cazorla role, something Ramsey cannot, because he isn't that good on the ball, and his passing isn't so good either.