Aaron Ramsey is the key for Arsenal, says Ray Parlour

Aaron Ramsey will be Arsenal’s key player this season, according to Ray Parlour.

The Wales international was one of the Premier League’s standout performers last term, scoring 10 goals and making eight assists in 23 top-flight games for Arsene Wenger’s men despite missing more than three months due to injury.

And former Gunners midfielder Parlour feels that the 23-year-old will again be a key cog in Wenger’s team next term.

“I always think Ramsey is the key,” Parlour told Sky Sports. “When Arsenal get the ball in midfield they keep it very simple but they don’t really run beyond the midfield and get bodies into the box because they all like it into their feet.

“It looks great but sometimes you need that midfield runner. Frank Lampard did it for years at Chelsea and what it does is that it disrupts the two centre-halves. You need a player to bomb on and move the defenders around a bit.

“I think Ramsey when he came back into the team after the injury suddenly helped things click for Arsenal so he’s going to be key again.

“He set his standards last season and if it hadn’t been for the injury he’d have been up there for player of the year in the Premier League. If he can maintain that he’ll be vital because he gives us something different.”