The 22-year-old graduated from the club’s academy, bursting onto the scene after a six-month loan move to Doncaster Rovers in 2020. Dean Smith offered him the chance to prove himself in the first team.
But it was Steven Gerrard who threw the youngster into the deep end, with Ramsey starting in 29 league games throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
Now, with his start to the current season plagued by injury, Boubacar Kamara’s suspension, due to a red card against Brentford last Sunday, will offer Ramsey the perfect opportunity to rediscover his form from previous seasons.
The midfielder was involved in Villa’s 2-1 victory over the Bees due to the absence of Douglas Luiz. And despite a lack of control in the middle of the park, Ramsey put on a spectacular performance to let Villa fans know that he is back.
At just 22 years of age, Ramsey was one of the best players on the pitch, deputising for Villa’s most important midfielder this season. While creating the most chances in the match (3), he maintained an 84 per cent pass rate, as well as winning 100 per cent of his tackles and managed five passes into the final third [FotMob].
The youngster has a very mature mind, with most of his football easy on the eye, rather than statistics looking good on paper. He has flair, talent, skill and the ability to change a game in the blink of an eye.
Although he has accumulated 10 appearances in all competitions on either side of his injuries, just two of them have been starts, with the other eight averaging just 22 minutes on the pitch.
It’s been a frustrating situation for the player, the fans, and Unai Emery, who was aware of his potential talent back in April, as per Talk Villa: “He’s very focused to take everything, tactically, we are demanding of him. He’s working, collectively and individually, a lot.
“He’s from Birmingham and we have to keep players like him because of the spirit he can add to the squad, with his quality as well.”
His talent is unquestionable. But his recent injury struggles have hindered more development, and he is unable to add to his six goals and eight assists in 38 appearances in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign as of yet.
His 84 per cent pass completion last season was one of the reasons for his undroppable form, as well as creating 42 chances. He also put in the defensive work, making 29 clearances and 23 interceptions [FotMob].
Villa’s tie against Sheffield United on Friday night marks a chance for the Villans to take the number one spot in the Premier League at Christmas – the first time at the top since December 1998.
Ramsey will need to impress against the Blades, especially without Kamara in midfield. There is little doubt he will fail, with the fans fully backing him to rediscover his previous form. There is always the risk that some players are unable to find their form again.
But his display against Brentford is evidence enough that Ramsey will quickly be back to his best with more minutes on the pitch.