Joe Willock, heir to Aaron Ramsey's throne?

Will Joe Willock replace the shoes of legend Arsenal Aaron Ramsey? The youngster impressed in pre-season ahead of what could be a defining year for the career.

Seeing Aaron Ramsey leave for Turin hurt him a lot. This left the fans anxious for the creative output of the latest Arsenal midfield without the talismanic Welshman. Where would this unique dynamism of box-to-box come from? What about late, driving short in the box? Goals, aids and a game of tantalizing midfield ties? Do not forget the purpose of occasional wonder. Enter Joe Willock.

Willock certainly gave Emery something to think of last season with appearances against Chelsea in the final of the Europa League, and especially during the win against Blackpool in the FA Cup, where he managed a brace. Seeing his name in the team for the pre-season tour of the United States was no surprise to many fans who were eager to see if the young man could turn awesome cameos into consistent performances .

Present in all preseason games, the 19-year-old has proven himself in the first team of his stride, impressing both fans and teammates. In an interview with Arsenal.com after the victory over Bayern Munich, Mesut Ozil was deeply impressed:

"Yesterday, against Bayern Munich, against a big club, he shows his quality. We are happy to have it.

Even though Willock has encountered a world clbad opposition, he has never looked down on it. Comfortable on the ball, not afraid of action and not afraid of bursting, the young man overflows with confidence in him. The shades of a certain Welsh, if I dare say? And if you think Willock will not be excited about replacing Ramsey in an Arsenal jersey after four pre – season games, you are absolutely wrong. I already have.

Willock has some problems navigating this season. The long-awaited arrival of Real Madrid's Spanish playmaker Dani Ceballos on a loan of the season has prompted fans to question how Willock will fit into the plans of Emery's first team. Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira have not yet played for the Gunners this season after an extended vacation as a result of their international obligations. Willock has therefore benefited from a lack of central midfield options this summer.

Do you want to hear your voice? Join the Pain In The Arsenal Team!

Write for us!

Nevertheless, baduming that Guendouzi and Torreira have time to prepare for the new season, you will probably guess that Willock would have a chance to start alongside Granit Xhaka in the meantime, or at least act as a bench for that opening. – weekend in Newcastle – his performances in the remaining three friendlies against Lyon, Angers and Barcelona will certainly be influenced by his performances.

During the season, Willock will have to work hard to prove that he is able to inherit the prime responsibility of a central midfielder in the Premier League. It's a lot to put in the plate of a teenager, whatever his talent.

But if the young had to try his luck this season, while adding goals and aids to his game, Arsenal could have a real player on the arm. And all this for free! So, welcome, Joeseph George Willock, future number eight of Arsenal?