Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was on the verge of being left out of the squad during the 2012/13 season because of failing to meet expectations at the Emirates.

Nevertheless, the tides have turned in his favour this season as the Wales international has been tremendous for the Gunners, scoring a total of 8 goals and dishing out 5 assists in all competitions.

Fearlessness and self-belief were among the qualities that kept the 22-year-old going despite the odds.

"He has another quality in that he does not hide to take the ball - and when he makes a mistake, he doesn't hide again. For me that is a quality. He is always available to take the ball and play," Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, speaking with arsenal.com, said of Ramsey.

"Let's not forget that one year ago people were saying to me, 'It's difficult to play him at the Emirates'. You could see there was an impatience with him at the Emirates."

"As a manager you think, 'Do I push him through and he can go more down or do you give him a breather to get him a fresh start?' That's always difficult to assess because it is linked to their mental state. When their own confidence is down, of course they are in trouble. But he is a confident boy."

"But you have to give him credit for that transformation - the credit goes to him because he could deal with that. He could come back, never give up and convince everybody that he has the needed quality."

Taking his game to the next level - that is, reaching the status of an elite footballer - would be all up to him according to the Arsenal mentor.

"Of course he'll get better," he added.

"He's 22 years old. I'm 64 and I still think I can improve so why should a guy who is 22, who can play until he is 35, think he is at the top of his game? If he has the right attitude, he will continue to improve."

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