‘Aaron Ramsey can develop into Arsenal’s Steven Gerrard’

Ray Parlour believes that Aaron Ramsey can develop into a player as influential as Steven Gerrard in the seasons to come at Arsenal.

The Wales international penned a fresh contract – reportedly worth £100,000-a-week – with the Gunners on Tuesday following his impressive form this season.

The 23-year-old is currently sidelined with a thigh problem that has kept him out of action since Boxing Day.

But former Arsenal midfielder Parlour feels that the midfielder is set to play an increasingly influential role for the north London club.

“Without doubt, Aaron Ramsey can become as influential as Steven Gerrard. Ramsey needs to believe in his own abilities,” Parlour told Sportlobster.

Ramsey was the perfect box-to-box midfielder in the first-half of the season

Ray Parlour

“He is a young and exciting talent and will definitely be a top, top player in the future. He wants to learn and is blessed with the ideal attributes for a midfield player.

“Gerrard was the best player I have ever faced. I think he is absolutely world class. He isn’t as effective box-to-box as he was a few years ago, but he continues to make the difference.

“Ramsey was the perfect box-to-box midfielder in the first-half of the season and I always said if he could score a few more, he would be complete.”

Parlour went on to praise Ramsey’s committed approach.

“His attitude is fantastic,” he continued. “I speak to the Arsenal staff and he is top drawer in training. He is energetic and he reminds me of myself in many ways.

“I trained like I was playing in a competitive football match and I think Aaron has the same sort of desire.

“He is similar in the way he runs around the pitch, but he’ll probably score more goals than I did.

“He always likes to run into the box, but he is also able to defend and keep it simple. Aaron is a very confident player and a good lad, too.”