In Focus: Ramsey is fast becoming the Villans' latest hero

Philippe Coutinho’s sensational Aston Villa debut stole the headlines last Saturday — but Jacob Ramsey was at the heart of their comeback draw with Manchester United.

The 20-year-old midfielder netted to halve the deficit at Villa Park before turning provider by setting up his Brazilian team-mate to make it 2-2 and seal a point.

It was another impressive display from academy graduate Ramsey, who is a regular in Steven Gerrard’s team despite intense competition for places.

With Everton next on the agenda for the Villans at the weekend, we turn the spotlight on their latest starlet.

Star boy

Starting for your boyhood club against United in the Premier League is a tall order for any young player but it is a situation Ramsey is now well-versed in.

In an overall up-and-down season for the Midlands outfit, Ramsey — affectionately known as JJ — has been one of the few consistent performers.

Often on the periphery to the team last campaign, he seems to have come of age this term with some confident displays.

The No41 never shies away from the ball and his driving runs from midfield have made him a constant threat.

He registered his first goals for the club this season with stunners against Arsenal and Norwich but his strike against United was his first at Villa Park.

He was at his brilliant best during the comeback, proving the architect of the visitors' downfall.

In almost typical Gerrard style, Ramsey burst into the box after a smart link-up between fellow youngster Carney Chukwuemeka and Coutinho to fire past David de Gea with his weaker foot.

Moments later, Ramsey was causing United problems again as he raced on to Emi Buendia’s through ball to fire across the United box and hand Coutinho the easiest of finishes on his debut.

Gerrard’s general

It was a subtle interaction on social media that gave the first indication Ramsey would be firmly part of Gerrard’s plans when he took over at Villa.

Under an Instagram post congratulating Ramsey on a man-of-the-match performance days after Gerrard’s arrival, the new boss commentated with the eyes emoji to show he was well aware of the youngster's talents.

And the England Under-21 ace has since started all but one of Villa’s nine league games under the Liverpool legend.

Considering the star names Villa now have at their disposal, that is some achievement for such a young player. 

The fact he was rated so highly not only by former boss Dean Smith but also now by Premier League great Gerrard is a sign he has what it takes to make it at the top level.

But as he so often did as a Liverpool player himself, Gerrard has clearly set high standards for the youngster.

After the United game, Gerrard said: "First half, I thought he was a little bit off it and we told him that. But second half I got the reaction I expect.

"He’s a great professional, great kid and is going to be a top player. There is still a lot to work with. 

"Second half he was outstanding. He was aggressive. He was positive. He got a goal and an assist — you can’t ask for more than that."

The next hero

The last six months have seen popular boyhood fans Jack Grealish and Smith depart the club, with Villa supporters losing two figures they felt a deep connection with.

That means the emergence of Ramsey — another lifelong fan who grew up just over three miles from Villa Park — has come at the perfect time.

Choruses of "Jacob Ramsey, he’s one of our own" echoed around the stadium when he fired home against the Red Devils — a moment the player described as "what dreams are made of".

If Ramsey is in any doubt as to whether the pathway to succeed is there at Villa, he only has to look to fellow academy graduate Grealish, who became the club captain and an England regular before his £100million move to Manchester City.

Lion in wait?

Ramsey’s form has even seen him named as an outside contender to make England’s 2022 World Cup squad. 

It will be a difficult task — such is the talent Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has to call on — but there is no harm in harbouring grand ambitions.

Speaking last month, he said: "This year’s been really good but hopefully 2022 will be even better.

"I want to keep playing for Villa’s first team and be a main player for the team.

"I want to add more goals, assists and hopefully break into the England senior team."

With Gerrard to learn from and the likes of Coutinho and Buendia to flourish alongside on the pitch, Ramsey looks to be in the perfect situation to kick on.