Boys to men: Ramsey and Wilshere’s coaching reunion

In 2008, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, both 17, and 16, made their Premier League debuts by starting for Arsenal in a 4-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

The two men will reunite as coaching partners in opposing dugouts on Saturday.

When the already-relegated Bluebirds travel to Norwich City in the Championship, Wales captain Ramsey will take charge of Cardiff City for the third, and for the time being, almost certainly the final time.

The 34-year-old is still listed as a Bluebirds player, but he was only given the job temporarily after Omer Riza was fired last month.

After Johannes Hoff Thorup’s dismissal, the former England midfielder, 33, who has already retired and has taken over as Norwich’s interim manager, has announced his retirement.

Ramsey wants to play next season even though his Cardiff contract expires this summer, despite having long-term coaching ambitions.

The former Juventus midfielder is anticipating being reunited with Wilshere, his former central midfield partner at Arsenal, before making a decision on his next move.

“I’ve been watching Jack’s career as a manager develop over the years, starting with the Arsenal Under-18s and moving there as a coach, and now having the opportunity to manage,” Ramsey said.

Both players joined Arsenal in 2008 after graduating from the club’s academy and Ramsey after completing their professional careers there.

Arsene Wenger, Wilshere’s manager, was Ramsey’s only manager for a year after leaving in 2018, leaving him with more than 20 years in charge.

Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, earning him legendary recognition for his visionary coaching methods and aesthetic play, which were regarded as revolutionary in British football.

Wenger was also praised for guiding young players, with Ramsey and Wilshere being two of his most successful examples of tutelage.

“I believe what Arsene taught us is having that sense of freedom to express ourselves, and having that confidence from him to go out there and do that,” Ramsey said.

Giving the players the confidence to go out and express themselves is something I’ll take throughout my managerial career.