Ray Parlour hails Arsenal’s ‘absolutely fantastic’ Aaron Ramsey

Ray Parlour believes Arsenal’s “absolutely fantastic” Aaron Ramsey has been the club’s player of the season – so far.

The Wales international has cemented his first-team spot after scoring eight goals and making three assists in 10 appearances in all competitions.

Ramsey has come in for criticism in recent seasons after struggling to rediscover his best form following a horror leg-break at Stoke City in February 2010.

But Parlour believes Ramsey’s pre-season form has helped to contribute to the midfielder’s excellent performances at the start of the campaign.

“They [Arsenal fans] did get frustrated. But his work-rate is brilliant,” Parlour told Goals on Sunday.

“He’s been absolutely fantastic. He’s a really good lad and wants to learn. He’s pretty good at goal-scoring.

“It was very important that he had a good pre-season. He was the best player in pre-season by a mile.

“He had that bad injury and it hit his confidence. It’s the mental side of it more than physical. He was always physically very fit but mentally he’s got his head sorted out.

“What a season he’s having – he’s been the player of the season so far.”