Jacob Ramsey provided a ray of light on a dark day for Aston Villa when he climbed off the bench to make his senior debut on February 16, 2019.
Aged 17 at the time, the midfielder came on for the final 30 minutes of a 2-0 derby day defeat against West Bromwich Albion in the Championship at Villa Park.
It was the realisation of a lifelong dream for local lad Ramsey, who joined the club as a six-year-old.
Villa were patient with their latest Academy graduate, and he was named on the bench only twice more that season as the club returned to the Premier League via the play-offs.
With the club now back in the big time, Ramsey accrued just 14 minutes of first-team action in cup competitions during the first half of the 2019/20 campaign. A loan move to League One Doncaster Rovers on deadline day in January offered a prolonged glimpse of his talents.
A brace on debut left then-Rovers boss Darren Moore to praise his “steely confidence”, with the teenager registering three goals in seven games before the COVID pandemic brought a premature end to his loan.
Despite being cut short, the value of the loan was clear to see for the coaches at Villa, including Academy Manager Mark Harrison, upon Ramsey’s return.
Harrison said: “They could then see that even within those three or four months, it helped him mature as a player and as a person.
“Thankfully, he had a couple of good games in pre-season following his loan and he’s followed almost the perfect journey that we would lay out for the players.”
Ramsey’s maiden start for the club in a Carabao Cup game against Burton Albion at the beginning of the 2020/21 season set the tone for a breakout campaign.
A Premier League debut followed swiftly for the homegrown talent when he came on against Fulham at Craven Cottage. It was a significant moment for Ramsey and his family.
“We didn’t get back until late after the Fulham game and my family were still up when I got home,” he recalled.
“When I walked through the door everyone was smiling and happy for me. I’ve got two younger brothers in the Academy and I’m a role model to them. Me making my Premier League debut is something they aspire to do as well.”
A 1-0 win against rivals Wolves at Molineux was the perfect way to mark Ramsey’s first start in the top flight, and the appearances kept coming under a head coach, Dean Smith, who enjoyed a good relationship with the player.
“He grew up a Villa fan, so he gets how I feel coming through the Academy, being a local lad, being a fan of the football club,” Ramsey said.
Smith’s faith in the emerging homegrown talent was clear, and he was always quick to reaffirm it when asked in interviews.
Smith said: “I gave JJ his debut in the Championship, I think he was 17 at the time. We just felt that he had the potential to become a really top player.
“He looks strong, he looks athletic, he’s always been a talented footballer but he’s putting it all together now on the biggest stage of all, the Premier League. We believe he can be a really top player.”
While the appearances and plaudits began stacking up for Ramsey, he had to wait until his 30th Premier League game to score his first goal for the club.
The emotion and relief in his celebration following a ruthless finish against Arsenal hinted at a weight coming off his shoulders. It wouldn’t be the last time he found the net during the 2021/22 season as he cemented himself as a regular starter.
A stunning solo goal against Norwich City showcased his dribbling ability. A goal against Manchester United came courtesy of positional acumen. And a Villa Park brace against Leeds United displayed clinical finishing.
Ramsey’s stellar form was rewarded with a new five-year contract in April 2022, ensuring the homegrown starlet would continue to shine in a Villa shirt.
“It’s a proud moment for me, especially for my family,” he told VillaTV at the time.
“I’ve been here a long time now, come through the Academy, and to sign for another five years at this club, I’m over the moon.
“There are so many people who have helped me get to this point now, I can’t thank everyone enough from Under-9s, to being a scholar, to Under-23s and then stepping up to the first team.”
Recognition of Ramsey’s form was also forthcoming from his peers at the club’s Awards Dinner in May 2022 when the midfielder scooped Players’ Player of the Season in addition to his Young Player of the Season award.
Praise has also regularly been directed his way by the three head coaches that Ramsey has worked under at Villa.
His versatility, work-rate, attitude and quality have seen him entrusted to carry out a variety of roles on the pitch. Since Unai Emery’s arrival, he’s flourished on the left-hand side, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Emery said: “He’s very focused to improve. 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.
“The next objective for him is to be the captain of the Under-21s for the national team and then in the future, the captain of the national team in England.”
On Saturday, Ramsey became a Villa centurion. He brought up his 100th appearance for the club in style, scoring his 12th goal.
It was the latest chapter in the midfielder’s fairytale rise through the Academy to starring in the first team. At the final whistle, he was as humble as always.
He said: “I’m really proud. I’m 21 and I remember my first appearance for the club at home against West Brom, coming on, looking nervous, shaky.
“But I’m proud and thankful for all the managers I’ve had in my time here to believe in me and play me.”
With the belief of fans, players and staff, Ramsey looks set to shine in Villa colours for a long time to come.
