Steven Gerrard knows a thing or two about playing at the top level and bet365 are 6/1 about midfielder Jacob Ramsey making the 2022 England World Cup squad after another scintillating showing in an Aston Villa shirt.
The Villa boss said of Ramsey’s international future: “It won't be too long before the whole country are watching Jacob Ramsey. I know the level of England players, he is right up there.”
In recent years we’ve seen players like Phil Foden and Mason Mount – once touted as future England players – become regulars for the Three Lions, and if he continues to perform as he is, the 6/1 to make the World Cup squad might not last too long
The 20-year-old is also 7/1 to finish as Villa’s leading scorer this season after his brace against Leeds United took him level with Ollie Watkins on five with his manager suggesting the Birmingham-born player is now at a level to play international football.
Ramsey shows a maturity beyond his years, with an ability to operate in wide areas as well as through the middle. Gerrard clearly wants to give the midfielder praise without hyping him up too much, but the secret seems to be already out with the 20-year-old not just excelling in front of goal, but in other metrics both with and without the ball.
Only Watkins and Danny Ings have registered more xG for Villa this season and while Gerrard might want slightly more incisive passing in the final third, he’s reminiscent of a young Jack Wilshere in his ability to pick the ball up from deep and take players on, not through raw pace, but with silky footwork and the composure and awareness of a player with far more than 28 professional starts.
Ramsey broke into the Villa squad last season, making six starts in 22 appearances, and started six more in their first 11 games this season until Dean Smith’s departure. Such is the esteem in which he holds the youngster, Gerrard has started Ramsey in every game, barring the 2-1 defeat against Manchester City.
He’s cemented his place in the midfield three alongside Douglas Luiz and John McGinn, and with Philippe Coutinho, Emi Buendia and Watkins forming the front three, the Villans are looking a more dangerous outfit.
Ramsey in particular is thriving next to new arrival Coutinho, and the brilliant Brazilian is 6/1 to top the Villa goalscoring charts after also finding the net against Leeds, as well as laying on two assists.
Villa fans used to adore Jack Grealish, but the way Coutinho sent Luke Ayling for a hot dog in the build-up to the second goal, the Holte End could have a new hero to worship.
By Steve Freeth
