He may be in the form of his life but Aaron Ramsey isn't world class

Aaron Ramsey

A debate is raging between both fans and pundits alike. The question at the heart of this debate: Is Aaron Ramsey world class? Or when does his form become world class?

The Arsenal midfielder has started the season in excellent form. Playing in his preferred central midfield role compared to last season where he was stuck on the right of midfield, he has notched eight goals in 15 matches across the Premier League and Champions League and looks to be in the form of his life.

But does this make him world class? Or is this talk about the former Cardiff City man being among the world’s elite both premature and hyperbolic.

With a Squawka Performance Score this season of 495 he is the second best midfielder in the Premier League, behind only Steven Gerrard who scores 508.

In Italy’s Serie A only Cagliari’s Daniele Conti has scored higher with 537, in the Bundesliga only Balon D’or favourite Frank Ribery, while in Spain Ivan Rakitic of Sevilla and Barcelona maestro Xavi have a higher score, and Ligue 1 no midfielder has equalled or bettered the Welshman.

Ramsey’s goalscoring has really bought him into the lime light with six goals in 11 Premier League outings. While last season, in 36 apperances, he managed just one goal. Thus showing the immense improvement he has made.

Midfielders are often judged on their passing, so let us spend a bit of time looking at Ramsey’s. His pass completion is 85%. This is impressive and is backed up by the fact he completed 672 passes, the second highest in the Premier League this term. However, perhaps the Welshman could create more chances, this term he has made 13 chances, getting four assists.

Top Five Premier League Passers

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In addition to his passing, creating and goalscoring Ramsey has also won 79% of the 56 tackles he has contested in the Premier League, making him the league’s top tackler.

Top Five Tacklers This Season

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Essentially Ramsey is in excellent form. This simply cannot be argued. He is playing as well as some of Europe’s best midfielders at the moment, although in some areas he, statistically, falls short.

What can be argued is whether this is simply a purple patch. However, it is vital Ramsey maintains his form for the coming seasons, one must bear in mind, he is only 22 and is arguably yet to reach his peak.

He certainly has the potential and the ability to be one of the best midfielders in the game, however he also has a lot to prove still.

Aaron Ramsey is not world class. Yet.