Aaron Ramsey: A Midfielder's Journey
At just twenty-one years of age, Aaron Ramsey has had to deal with a big money transfer to the Premier League; been forced to rebuild his career after a horrific injury; and been installed and subsequently removed as the youngest ever Welsh national captain. It's been a rollercoaster, but now the dynamic midfielder is building himself a steady career and is consistently playing alongside the likes of Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Mikel Arteta, as well as being a lead asset for adidas.
Once described by Arsene Wenger as "an offence-minded Roy Keane", Ramsey has developed as a player and now believes he has more to his game: "I like to get the ball and play, give a few assists. It's my more natural game to get the ball and attack." It's certainly been a steep learning curve for the young Welsh midfielder, but after such experiences Aaron Ramsey is surely equipped to succeed in the future.
Q. The 2012/13 season is an opportunity to consistently perform, how do you feel it's going for you?
A. I've been happy, I feel much sharper this year, feel confident. The team and myself we had a bit of a blip in form a couple of games ago but I feel like we've got that back now, hopefully to go on and continue to improve throughout the season.
Q. There's been an influx of new and experienced players which can be beneficial to a young midfielder, who's impressed you the most?
A. They've all settle in pretty well, all chipped in with their goals and assists. Cazorla is a great player, very technical and can seemingly do anything, he's probably just edging it at the moment.
Q. On the pitch, what do you feel is your best attribute?
A.I like to get the ball and play, give a few assists. It's my more natural game to get the ball and attack.
Q. What are your early memories watching football, and did these help to shape you as a player?
A. I remember I went to watch Cardiff a few times. There was a player called Graham Kavanagh, he played in my position so I would watch him. Then as I got older, Zidane and Gerrard are the people I used to watch.
Q. You've had some great moments so far in your career, if you could relive a moment which would it be?
A. I scored a goal once for Wales against England for the under 21's, a half volley from about 30 yards out, that was a pretty special moment for me.
Q. Was the injury you sustained the toughest period of your career?
A. Yes absolutely, being out for that period of time is not easy. You realise how much it means to you to be out there playing and training every day, so definitely the toughest time.
Q. Doe is change you as a player?
A. I think I've learned from it, and definitely became tougher and grown up as a person.
Q. The time when you're not training or on matchday, how do you keep yourself busy, do you have passions outside of football?
A. I play golf with a few of the players. Theo's pretty good, probably the best at the moment, but I'm improving so I'll have the better of him soon.
Q. On away trips who do you room with?
A. We all get our own room, we don't share. But there will be a Playstation set up in the hotel, so I've beaten Podolski a few times on FIFA - which get's pretty boring! But a lot of the lads just take their own series and box-sets.
Q. You're a lead asset for adidas, and are wearing the latest version of the Predator LZ, what do you think of them?
A. They're really nice. They have changed massively since I first started to wear them, they're a lot lighter and I really get on with them at the moment. I also like the colour, so they're a good boot.
Q. Are you a fan of the more colourful footwear?
A. I like this colour at the moment, with the white, blue and a bit of yellow, but I do prefer white boots.
Q. Do you remember when you first linked up with adidas?
A. It was when I played in a competition called the Victory Shield, I was approached by adidas when I was about fifteen or sixteen. They sorted me with football boots and it went from there, I think it was an f50 or a Pred that was probably the first boot.
Q. Finally, if you could resurrect a boot from yesteryear?
A. There was an all-white Predator once, Beckham I think it was. Or the gold pair Zidane wore. 
Aaron Ramsey has already faced more adversity in his short career than most players do in a lifetime, but he's emerged a stronger footballer who's in the right environment to succeed. Ramsey is pictured wearing the latest adidas Predator LZ colourway, designed with five lethal zones to support perfect ball control. Available 1st December, RRP £165.
