Nathan Blake praised Juventus ace Aaron Ramsey on BBC Radio Wales (16/11, 21:35) after the reported Newcastle United transfer target ‘made his mark’ for Wales against Belgium.
Robert Page’s side hosted the No.1-ranked footballing nation in Cardiff on Tuesday in their final World Cup qualifier. The game ended as a 1-1 draw, but ensures Wales avoid hosting Italy or Portugal in the play-off semi-finals.
Ramsey played until the 93rd-minute, as the 30-year-old earned his 71st Dragons cap. But he did not influence the scoreline, after netting twice against Belarus last Saturday.
But Ramsey led as Wales’ captain on Tuesday and put in a shift, despite rarely playing for Juventus this term. The midfielder has so far featured for just 112-minutes over five outings for the Serie A side across all competitions. He also made his only start back on August 22.
The rarely-seen Bianconeri maestro showed glimpses of struggling for fitness in Cardiff. Yet started brightly by hurrying Borussia Dortmund ace Thorgan Hazard into a misplaced pass.
A moment of creativity from the former Arsenal star offered Wales a chance to go ahead on 57-minutes, too. Freeing Connor Roberts down the right, but Belgium cleared his cross.
Ramsey had a chance to score himself soon after, but the midfielder’s strike went between several pairs of legs. Eventually, he departed the action in stoppage-time to a resounding reception. While earning praise from former Wales and Leicester City striker Blake.
“Ramsey has made his mark,” he enthused. “It’s great to see him back. It may not have been his greatest performance because he had so much thinking to do today that his legs couldn’t quite keep up!”
Newcastle seen glimpse of transfer target Ramsey’s ability in Wales vs Belgium
Ramsey’s efforts in Wales’ draw with Belgium showed glimpses of the Juventus outcast’s talent that Newcastle are reportedly plotting a potential transfer for.
Reports by JuventusNews24 claim the Magpies have reached out to the midfielder’s agents over moving to St James’ Park.
While Tuttosport note the Toon’s new Saudi-led owners are not afraid to pursue a deal, despite his £400k-a-week contract in Turin. Which the Old Lady are also hoping to offload.
Ramsey also wants to return to the Premier League before Wales’ World Cup play-off, per the Daily Mail. After expressing his anger at a lack of minutes under Massimiliano Allegri.
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