{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey set to shine on return from injury after Agbonlahor moots England call
Jacob Ramsey has made just two Aston Villa appearances so far this season, both from the bench before an injury interrupted his start, but his talent is such that Gareth Southgate should be watching.
TalkSPORT pundit and former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed the England boss needs to look at more Villa players in the wake of Ezri Konsa’s first call-up, with Ramsey’s name top of the list.
An injury blow has hampered his progress so far this season, but on his return, Southgate should be keeping an eye out, with Agbonlahor’s calls fresh in the memory.
“He’s got to start picking more Villa players,” said Agbonlahor, live on talkSPORT [16 November], “When Jacob Ramsey gets fit again, come and watch him more. He’s another one that will break into that squad.”
Ramsey suffered an unfortunate injury blow with a broken metatarsal which kept him sidelined for ten weeks, and upon his return in September, he suffered another foot injury. Birmingham Live [13 November] claim he could be set for a return against Tottenham after the international break.
In two Premier League appearances, before he suffered an injury, Ramsey averaged just 24 minutes per game but managed to score in the 6-1 trouncing of Brighton while also averaging 1.5 shots per game and 1.0 shots on target.
These attacking stats came on top of an 87% passing accuracy, 2.0 interceptions per game, 1.0 ball recoveries, and 3.0 total duels won per game, with a 100% aerial duel success rate. [Sofascore]
Looking back to last season when Ramsey earned plenty of game time with 35 appearances, 31 of which were starts, you can see why he is so highly rated at Villa Park.
He scored six goals from midfield, outperforming his expected goals tally of 5.05, while averaging 0.9 shots per game as he was not afraid to take an opportunity when given a sight at goal. His seven assists also proved he is more than just an attacking influence as his creative numbers also stack up. [Sofascore]
The average of 2.0 tackles per game has remained, while 4.6 duels won per game and 1.3 fouls drawn also show how effective he can be at easing pressure on his side.
Ramsey’s season could kick off in the clash with Tottenham after the international break, and Southgate should be keeping an eye on his progress. If he can push on from last season, there is no reason he couldn’t earn a place in the England squad.
In other Aston Villa news, a 100% duo have earned high praise from Ian Wright.