Among the biggest positives of Aston Villa’s pre-season preparations thus far this summer, has undoubtedly been the return of Jacob Ramsey, both on the pitch and to form.
The 23-year-old was limited to just 21 appearances last season after foot injuries derailed his campaign, forcing him to the sidelines for significant periods at both the start and end of the year.
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His absence was certainly notable as he had established himself as a decisive and influential figure in Unai Emery’s system and style of play, stepping up his goal contributions while being a pivotal cog in our structure.
With that in mind, seeing him back on the pitch in pre-season, gradually stepping up his workload and looking fitter and sharper with every appearance, it has been one of the highlights of our summer preparations and it’s hoped that he can continue to build on it.
After featuring in the USA and progressively increasing his minutes, Ramsey was given the nod to start against Athletic Bilbao this week, and he produced a timely reminder of what he’s capable of as he continues to work towards peak condition and form.
As seen in the video below, aside from the composed finish to get on the scoresheet, the intelligence of his positioning and run were critical to creating the opportunity, and while it was a wonderful through ball played by Youri Tielemans to set him up, Ramsey’s threat in the final third adds a fundamental dynamic to our attacking play.
It’s absolutely vital now that he stays healthy, continues to build up his playing time and reintegrates himself into the Villa XI on a consistent basis, as that will help him rediscover his best form and continue to improve and develop his game to have an even bigger influence for us.
Importantly now as well, he has quality around him both in the final third and in midfield with players who can find him or link up with him effectively to unlock and prise open defences, and an attacking quartet of Ramsey, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins is certainly a mouth-watering prospect.
Add the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Jaden Philogene and the creative midfielders in the squad such as John McGinn, Tielemans and Ross Barkley, and Villa will hopefully have a cohesive, fluid and impactful side that is capable of maximising the potential within the group across the pitch.
Emery has always been adamant that Ramsey will not leave the club amid speculation over his future. The Villa boss sees him as an integral part of his plans moving forward, and naturally with his connection to the club, it’s such a boost to see him back playing and having a positive influence on our play. The hope now is that he has a big season ahead of him, as we embark on what will hopefully prove to be another memorable campaign.
Unai Emery ball. 😌 pic.twitter.com/Ks52pFaot0
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 7, 2024