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Jacob Ramsey now set to take Aston Villa game to next level after Youri Tielemans transfer
Aston Villa confirmed the signing of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City and his progressive style could well elevate the likes of Jacob Ramey at Villa Park.
Villa confirmed [10 June] that the Belgian international would officially join on a free transfer on 1 July after his contract at Leicester City expired, signing on a four-year deal.
A regular feature Belgium on the international stage, picking up 58 caps since his debut in 2016, Tielemans has long been considered one of the most innovative and progressive midfielders in the Premier League.
Villa boss Unai Emery has already transformed the tactical trajectory at Villa Park with the club now becoming both an effective and decisive team both in the transition and when playing out from the back and the signing of Tielemans is another telling element which would enhance an already impressive philosophy at Villa Park.
The 26-year-old midfielder looks a perfect option to add some extra creativity and dynamism to Villa’s midfield in the final third.
According to FBRef, Tielemans sat in the 86th percentile for progressive passes made by midfielders last season, averaging 6.95 per 90 minutes.
This equated to a total of 181 progressive passes across the season, which was 33 more than Douglas Luiz, who topped the charts for Villa.
While the Brazilian has proven a valuable component when progressing the ball under Emery’s tutelage, he was the only one capable of providing such a trait in the middle third with fellow midfielders John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey helping the progression with their drive and ball-carrying ability, as evidenced by Ramsey’s 50% dribble successful rate [SofaScore].
However, adding another progressive outlet in midfield could well give Ramsey a more advanced role in the team, following his rather strange positioning out-wide to compensate for the lack of a technical winger.
The youngster can now add another string to his impressive bow by receiving progressive passes from Tielemans in the half-spaces before wreaking havoc at a more frequent rate.
According to the Opta-powered stats on FBREF, Ramsey looks to be one of the most-rounded midfielders in the Premier League, sitting in the top 20% of his counterparts for goals (0.21 per 90) and assists (0.18 per 90) as well as non-penalty goals.
It’s now season on season, and the 22-year-old seems to be improving his goal output, as referenced and highlighted by Aston Villa Statto [30 May] – under Emery, the Villa Park academy graduate has consistently popped up with crucial goals and assists, including one against the Seagulls at the weekend to help cement their European place.
The 22-year-old was rightly awarded the 2022/23 Premier League Academy Graduate of the Year award (22 May), following in the footsteps of the likes of Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marcus Rashford, showcasing why he is the cream of a very exciting crop of Premier League talent that has emerged on the scene this season.
Ramsey recorded 13 goal involvements in the Premier League last season [6 goals, 7 assists] but those numbers could well be set for an increase with more European games under his belt but more crucially, performing with yet another sprinkle of midfield stardust behind him elevating his Villa Park game even further.
His wonderful goal-contribution skills, unique midfield talents coupled with the tactical class and experience of Emery give Ramsey all the tools he needs to take the next step in his career.
In other Aston Villa news, the club would not be in Europe next season without one player who sits top of one key statistics area.