AARON RAMSEY
Suspended for the Euro 2016 semi-final against eventual winners Portugal, Aaron Ramsey has unfinished business having experienced the highs and lows of international football. Now pulling the strings in his preferred role at the tip of the Juventus midfield, he has embraced the freedom and faith shown in his ability by coach Andrea Pirlo. L’architetto was always likely to have a high-level appreciation for Ramsey’s intelligent play and vision with the ball.
Although Gareth Bale remains the talisman of this Wales team, it is the presence of Ramsey that brings the best out of him. Injuries have severely limited the ex-Arsenal midfielder’s international involvement, but he produced on his one and only start in Euro 2020 qualifying by scoring both goals in the decisive 2-0 win over Hungary. Ramsey turned 30 in December, but his style of play will benefit from his experience at this level, and if he can avoid the niggling injuries that have proved so frustrating he can again influence and impress as he did in 2016.