16. Aaron Ramsey

When he signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2008, Aaron said his decision to move from Cardiff to North London had been influenced by Arsène Wenger's penchant for giving youngsters first-team opportunities.

The Welshman was vindicated last term when he made 22 appearances for the senior side - the same number that he finished his Bluebirds career with after rising through the ranks at Ninian Park to become their youngest player at the age of 16 years 124 days.

Aaron turned down Manchester United to join Arsenal and he has already showed just why Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson rate him so highly. Technically sound, assured in possession and blessed with an eye for goal, Aaron is one of the most promising young players in Britain.

He has already played in an FA Cup Final, coming on as a substitute when Cardiff were beaten by Portsmouth in May 2008. And he has already scored in the Champions League, firing a shot in off the post when Arsenal beat Fenerbahce 5-2 in last season's competition.

Aaron admits he is a "different animal" after a year at Emirates Stadium and is expected to start more games this term after making more than half of his appearances as a substitute last season. He laid down a marker for a run in the team with some outstanding pre-season displays and a goal against Portsmouth to open his Premier League account.

Aaron is expected to be a shining light at Arsenal for years to come and he will be just as important to his country. The youngest player to represent Wales at Under-21 level, Aaron made his senior debut against Denmark in November 2008 and heads a new generation of Welsh talent which also includes Jack Collison and Chris Gunter.

 

MY YEAR

September

Aaron made three substitute appearances for the Gunners in September and played 90 minutes in the Carling Cup against West Brom. Speaking exclusively to Arsenal TV Online the Welshman said he was excited about his involvement with the first-team this season.

August

Aaron marked his four substitute appearances in August with a goal and an assist as the Gunners made a positive start to the season. He scored the final goal of the game from 10 yards as Arsenal saw off Portsmouth 4-1 at Emirates Stadium. And four days later Ramsey was the supplier as Andrey Arshavin scored the third in the 3-1 Champions League Play-Off second leg victory over Celtic.

May

After almost the whole season on the fringes of the Arsenal first-team, Aaron finally made his full Premier League debut in May when he started in central midfield against Portsmouth on Saturday 2nd. In addition the young Welshman featured in three of the other four squads in the month.

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