It’s been a season of highs and lows for Aaron Ramsey, with the midfielder enduring a mixed debut campaign in Serie A. The Welsh international signed a pre-contract agreement with Juventus back in February 2019, and was expected to be a hit in the Italian top flight. However, despite arriving with a big reputation, he clocked up just 1,050 minutes last season, and rarely completed a full 90. However, at the beginning of August, Maurizio Sarri was dismissed and replaced by the stylish Andrea Pirlo. The former midfielder’s appointment could be good news for the Caerphilly-born star, who despite being linked with a return to the Premier League this summer, now looks likely to remain in northern Italy for at least one more season.
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Pirlo is believed to be an admirer of the former Arsenal man, and prior to his summer switch, he reportedly told Sky Sports Italia that the 29-year old would be a “great signing” for Juventus. He later added that Ramsey is a “complete player who can do pretty much everything”. Having largely been a peripheral figure during the 2019-20 campaign, the Welshman could now potentially be given a far more prominent role next season under the new boss. Sarri is renowned for having a stubborn streak, and that was always likely to make it extremely difficult for Ramsey to break into the side and become a regular starter. However, Pirlo’s arrival represents a fresh start for the box-to-box midfielder, and he’ll be understandably keen to impress during pre-season.
Despite his stop-start campaign, the former Cardiff City graduate still managed to secure some silverware, with the Bianconeri edging out Inter to wrap up their ninth successive Scudetto. Despite dominating domestically, it’s been another disappointing campaign in Europe, with the Old Lady being knocked out the Champions League in the round of 16 by unfancied Lyon. The French side went into the tie as the rank outsiders, yet still managed to squeeze through courtesy of the away goals rule. The Ligue 1 outfit face a tough task in the next round of the competition, as they travel to face Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side are second-favourites behind PSG at 10/11 in the odds on the champions Leauge final market to reach the last two, although having seen Juventus fall victim to Rudi Garcia’s side, they simply cannot afford to take their opponents lightly.
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Ramsey scored three times and claimed a single assist during his inaugural Serie A season, with his most memorable performance coming against title rivals Inter at the beginning of March. He adds plenty of dynamism to the side, and is versatile enough to fill a variety of midfield roles. With a number of players expected to move on this summer, Ramsey could be given the chance to establish himself as a regular starter under the jurisdiction of the former deep-lying playmaker. Pirlo is generally considered to be one of the greatest exponents of his position, and Ramsey is widely expected to thrive under the guidance of the 41-year old.
The former Gunner is the first Welshman to don the famous black and white stripes since Ian Rush. Whilst the striker reportedly struggled to adapt to his new surroundings, Ramsey appears to be reasonably settled, and that will surely help his progress next season. Pirlo’s arrival is excellent news for the out-of-sorts midfielder, and he could potentially play a starring role as the club bid for an unprecedented tenth successive Serie A title.
