The hard player: Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey was born on 26 December 1990 in Caerphilly, Wales. A true Welsh midfielder, he began his career at Cardiff City (52 appearances, 6 goals) before moving to Arsenal FC, where he would spend the best years of his career: 369 appearances and 64 goals, a record that cements his place among the most productive midfielders in Gunners history.
After giving everything to Arsenal, he sought new challenges: Juventus FC (70 appearances, 6 goals), then OGC Nice (34 appearances, 1 goal), before coming full circle back to Cardiff City (29 appearances, 3 goals). At youth level, he made 15 appearances and scored 2 goals for the Wales under-17 side, a first step in what would become a long international career.
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PlayThe medium player: Michael Essien
Born on 3 December 1982 in Accra, Ghana, Michael Essien is a Ghanaian midfielder who built his European reputation step by step. He started at SC Bastia (76 appearances, 12 goals) before becoming one of Ligue 1’s most powerful presences at Olympique Lyonnais (96 appearances, 13 goals).
Chelsea FC gave him the stage he deserved: 256 appearances and 24 goals in blue. He also spent a loan spell at Real Madrid (35 appearances, 2 goals) before finishing his career at Persib Bandung (29 appearances, 5 goals). At youth level, he made 5 appearances for Ghana’s under-17 side.
The easy player: Mesut Özil
Mesut Özil was born on 15 October 1988 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. A creative midfielder and winger by trade, he made his professional debut at Schalke 04 (39 appearances, 1 goal) before truly making his mark at Werder Bremen (126 appearances, 18 goals), where his playmaking talent caught Europe’s attention.
From there, the career only went upward: Real Madrid (159 appearances, 27 goals), then a long and defining spell at Arsenal FC, where he clocked up 254 appearances and 44 goals. He wrapped up his club career at Fenerbahçe (37 appearances, 9 goals). At youth level, he represented Germany’s under-19 side in 11 matches, scoring 4 goals.