Among the many positives from Aston Villa’s win over West Ham Utd this past weekend, was the impact of Ian Maatsen and Jacob Ramsey off the bench.
Villa were excellent in the opening 35 minutes, but after the Hammers rallied just before half-time, Unai Emery’s changes from the hour mark onwards were critical to our ability to secure all three points on the opening weekend.
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Ramsey and Jhon Duran were first to be introduced, while Maatsen, Jaden Philogene and Kosta Nedeljkovic followed as we showed off our improved strength in depth on the bench.
While there were many stand-out performers and the fluidity to our play was brilliant at times, the influence that Maatsen and Ramsey had on our play down the left flank was a factor that really made an impression in the latter stages.
Of course, the pair linked up to provide Duran with the chance to win the game, but their overall impact on our play was very positive, and it’s arguably something that we’ve been missing since Ramsey and Alex Moreno were in full flow in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.
That’s not to take anything away from the job that Lucas Digne has done, and continues to do, for us, as the Frenchman is a steady presence at left-back who plays a key role as part of Emery’s structure and style of play, both defensively and offensively.
However, there was a glimpse of what is likely to be the long-term solution in that department as Maatsen and Ramsey began to develop a partnership, and the early signs were certainly encouraging.
It was great in itself to just see Ramsey back on the pitch after his injury-plagued campaign last season, and as seen in the video below, he showed exactly why Emery rates him so highly and remains unwavering in his desire to keep him at the club, such is his belief in his potential.
Beyond the quality of the cut-back cross for Duran’s goal, the 23-year-old’s movement and positioning is so intelligent, and with the technical quality and speed with which he can play, it was a welcome reminder of what he’s capable of producing when he’s fit and finding form.
For Maatsen, he was limited over pre-season after his extended break this summer, and so it was understandable as to why Digne got the nod at West Ham. Amid speculation linking Moreno with a move away, the Dutch international will seemingly be an upgrade on the Spaniard, both in his ability on the pitch, and in terms of reliability after Moreno’s struggles with injuries too.
Whether it’s Matty Cash or Ezri Konsa tucking inside from right-back to form a back three when we’re in possession, our ability to attack and produce quality down the left flank is critical to how Emery wants us to play and create openings.
In Maatsen and Ramsey, we have two young, energetic, athletic and technically gifted players who have the natural instincts to be a threat in advanced areas, and it’s hoped that we see their partnership flourish in the coming weeks and months.
Jacob Ramsey cameo vs West Ham pic.twitter.com/tz5KGWdWtB
— EB10 (@astonvilla___) August 17, 2024