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Jacob Ramsey, who has fully broken onto the scene this year at Aston Villa, has penned a new four-and-a-half year deal at the club.
Words: Andrew Maddox | @MaddoxJourno
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Jacob Ramsey has signed a new four-and-a-half year deal at Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old midfielder has put in some impressive displays for Dean Smith’s side this season, particularly in his first Premier League start against Wolves back in December, and he has been duly rewarded for his fine form. The Great Barr native has made eight appearances in the Premier League, all from the bench except from the Wolves game, though he did start all three of Villa’s Carabao Cup matches this season.
He has enjoyed quite the rapid rise through the Villa ranks, exploding onto the Villa Park scene aged just 17. He was given a baptism of fire after signing his first professional contract in 2019, being immediately thrown into the first team picture during a difficult run of form for the newly appointed Dean Smith. He made his debut a month later, coming off the bench in a 2-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion and he would not make another league appearance for Villa for over a year. He was however, given the Academy Player of the Season award for the 2018-19 campaign.
Only one more first team chance came his way in 2019, replacing Trezeguet for the final 10 minutes in the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Brighton, but he failed to break into the first team for much of the season. Smith chose to give him the experience he needed by sending him on loan to Doncaster Rovers for the second half of the season. While his experience was cut short by the first lockdown, limiting him to just seven appearances, he was highly impressive for Darren Moore’s side. The midfielder returned to Villa Park with three goals and was ready to make an impression on the first team.
Dean Smith immediately showed faith in the midfielder by allowing the slightly more experienced Callum O’Hare, who was expected to become a squad player for Villa, to leave on a free transfer and putting Ramsey straight into the first team picture. He made his first Villa start in the Carabao Cup win over Burton Albion and grabbed his first assist in the third round win over Bristol City, a fine looping cross straight onto the boot of Bertrand Traore for his worldie debut goal.
Ramsey made his Premier League bow by replacing Conor Hourihane in the 3-0 win over Fulham shortly after the Bristol City match. He had to wait for his first Premier League start, but he ensured it was worth it. The youngster played the full 90 minutes at Molineux and looked a complete natural in central midfield. His controlling display earned him praise from fans and the media, while his quick feet caused Joao Moutinho to get sent off.
The youngster is already an England Under 20s international following his impressive form this season and has drawn natural comparisons with Jack Grealish. Tying him down for his long-term future is a major statement on Villa’s commitment to youth as well as a massive compliment on his undeniable talent.
