Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey admits he must adapt to being targeted this season
Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey admits he must adapt to being a targeted man this season after breaking through into first-team action in the 2021/2022 campaign.
The 21-year-old has had a terrific start to the season and has gained many plaudits for his progression into one of the first names on Steven Gerrard’s teamsheet.
Ramsey scored the winner against Southampton in the Villans last Premier League outing and is now looking to push on and become a focal point in the squad.
Speaking to the Express and Star, Ramsey admitted he will now be targeted by teams who are aware of the damage he can do.
“Last season I was the surprise package. No-one really expected me to play the amount of games I did,” said Ramsey.
“This season I have played against every team, they know about me and have watched clips.
“In the long-run that is going to help me, if I am getting man-marked, or teams look to pressure me. That experience is going to help me develop.”
Push on.
Ramsey was rewarded for his solid form with Villa by being nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award in September.
His progress is plain to see, but the 20-year-old must now push on and be consistent with his form if he wants to be considered one of the league’s best.
This is obviously easier said than done, but Ramsey’s potential is so high that he’s more than capable of achieving this.
Gerrard’s faith in starting Ramsey week in, week out for Villa all but proves this, especially considering the club’s investment in numerous midfielders this summer.
The youngster’s ability on the ball is impressive but it’s his work rate off it which may be his most interesting attribute; for all his flamboyancy, Ramsey is a real workhorse.
This will be the season where the Aston Villa starlet pushes on; a Premier League giant may come knocking for his signature this summer if so.
In other Aston Villa news, Jamie Carragher has delivered his verdict on Jacob Ramsey’s England chances after being left with the Under-21s this week.