With three goals in as many games, Jacob Ramsey is making a lasting impact on Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa side. Providing the assist for Phillippe Coutinho’s debut goal against Manchester United, Ramsey continues to grow in stature with every passing appearance.
As published in the Daily Mail on Thursday evening, England boss Gareth Southgate is monitoring events at Villa Park closely as he prepares to name his first national squad of this world cup year. Now a seemingly un-droppable asset in Villa’s armoury, a Three lions call up beckons – the question is, will it be in time for Qatar…
This sudden rise in form can be accredited to Gerrard’s fondness for Ramsey – in his eleven league games, the former Rangers boss has started Ramsey in ten of those matches. It appears that with every passing game, Ramsey further certifies his selection in the team for the next week.
As much as his improvement is visible to all, data provided by whoscored.com shows how Ramsey has developed into a midfield stalwart under the new manager. During the first four games of Gerrards tenure, Ramsey achieved a high score of 6.9 on the websites performance rater. Following his stunning display at Carrow Road in December, consistent gradings above a score of seven have become customary. For example, in the draw against Manchester United, he achieved a score of 8.16 and still posted a very respectable 7.81 against Leeds United earlier this week.
Gerrards protégé
Just as his manager was once an all-action midfielder in the Premier League, Ramsey continues to learn from one of the best in his position the world has ever seen.
Asked on Gerrard’s influence, post-Leeds, Ramsey replied
“Since coming into the club, he’s given me a lot of confidence. I’ve grown up watching him – I can only look at his old clips and take the advice in”
In a world where footballers interviews are often the same monotonous reporters repeating the same dull questions each week, it was refreshing to see Ramsey talk so genuinely about how he’s been finding life under the new regime. Every word was clearly a true reflection of how Ramsey has ignited his career; the maturity shown in his evermore frequent interviews is another example of the wisdom the academy graduate is picking up.
However, when asked if he saw Ramsey following in his own footsteps, Gerrard was quick to make a point of Ramsey having his own career ahead of him.
“He’s not following in anyone’s footsteps. Jacob Ramsey is Jacob Ramsey and he’s going to be a terrific player.
It won’t be long before the whole country are watching him because he’s in a top place.”
High praise indeed. As he progressed with his comments, a smile began flickering across the managers face.
Finishing with the statement, “I know the level of England players, Jacob Ramsey is right up there”, Gerrard is as excited as anyone about the quality and potential of Villa’s next best thing.