What is Aaron Ramsey doing in the Championship?

This is without doubt one of the best bits of business that has been carried out this season and one which might well prove decisive in kick-starting Forest’s erratic season.

The school of hard knocks

Wenger clearly decided that first team football was key for Ramsey’s rehabilitation. I wonder, however, if Ramsey may not gain even more from the experience. The Championship is a more physical division and that will provide a challenge for Ramsey, particularly given the severe injury he is coming back from. If he can learn to cope, he will have developed an important skill and become a more rounded player; recent years have shown that Arsenal need grit as well as a flair in their midfield.

Keeping a level playing field

Deals such as this risk disturbing the balance of the division. It’s one thing having young wannabees on loan; proven Premier League performers are quite another. It would be good to encourage Premier League teams to send such players to the weakest sides in the division. As well, as being a challenge for them it would act as an interesting leveller. West Ham’s Freddie Sears going to Scunthorpe is an example of this.

At any rate, seeing the young Welshman in action will be a treat for Championship fans over the coming weeks.

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