Aaron Ramsey can be similar to Chelsea great
Frank Lampard if he stays fit.
Ramsey, 26, has made just eight Premier League
starts this season, with niggling injuries holding
him back.
The Wales international scored 26 goals across
two campaigns in 2013-14 and 2014-15, but has
been unable to match those tallies since.
Wenger said he had envisioned Ramsey being
Arsenal's Lampard, who starred with his goal-
scoring exploits from midfield.
"In my head Ramsey was going to be a player
between 10 and 15 goals a year," he said.
"He is a Frank Lampard type. He is [about] getting
in the box and he has a huge capacity to run.
Physically, he has a combination of stamina, power
and his capacity to repeat high intensity is certainly
the best in the league.
"This season has been very frustrating for Aaron. I
looked the other day, he has started seven games
in the Premier League.
"When I realised that, it was unbelievable, but it's
because of injuries – and not big ones. Every time
it's a niggling one and when he came back from
those – boom – a little calf – boom – a little
hamstring."Arsenal are preparing for an FA Cup semi-final
against Manchester City on Sunday as they
continue their bid to win the trophy for the third
time in four years.
Ramsey was their hero in the 2014 final, scoring an
extra-time winner against Hull City.
Wenger hopes the midfielder is ready to play a big
role to finish the campaign, saying: "He looked fit
on Monday but I hope he will have a strong end to
the season because he is an important player for
me.
"He has it all in the locker to be defensive and
offensive. So that is for me a vital part of the game
we want to play. We do not only want to defend, we
want to defend and attack.
"These kind of players are very important. I also
think he is at his best age as a midfielder when you
look at it at the start of the season. He is a player
who can take the role of Mesut Ozil.
"When Ozil needs a breather you can play Aaron
there, but he was not there earlier this season."
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