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The Wales midfielder, 23 (right) has hit 15 goals in 31 games for club and country this season.

That contribution has helped keep Arsene Wenger’s men a point clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

And Vieira, who won three titles and four FA Cups with the Gunners, is sure Ramsey can fire again if – as expected – he returns from a thigh injury at Southampton on Tuesday.

Vieira, 37, said: “Aaron has been terrific and fantastic.

“He has been the best and most consistent player in the Premier League.

“At the start of the season he was fantastic because of the number of goals he scored from midfield but also the number of goals he created.

"If Arsenal are top it's because he has been the best player as the start of the season."

Viera who matured under Wenger after he signed for Arsenal at 20 has hailed the Frenchman's patience with Ramsey.

He added: "Arsene is really good at developing and trusting young players. What's stopped Ramsey's progress was injuries in the last few years but now he has sorted that out.

"Credit to Arsenal and Arsene who believed in him.

"And credit to Aaron as well because even with all the injuries, he's kept working hard, believing in himself and that he could make it.

"The ability has always been there and I'm pleased he is now showing what he is capable of."