Quote Originally Posted by SWv2 View Post

First choice midfield duo, or “pivot” to use the modern terminology, is Xhaka and Ramsey.
I pray will all my heart that this isn't true. Ramsey has had plenty of opportunity in that role and has been poor far too often. His idea of positional play is to endlessly run forward and play off the striker as much as possible leaving us wide open to counter attacking football. Even Wenger mentioned this when he referred to improved balance in the team when he dropped Ramsey and replaced him with Elneny. The wee Spanish midget isn't exactly Gilberto, but he's a wonderful footballer and holds his position very well. He's also brilliant at keeping the ball, which is imperative to how we play. The Welsher seems more adept at giving it away. Doing so on the right isn't so bad, doing it in the middle of the pitch is suicidal.

Plus, and this is crucial, Ramsey is Welsh.