As Premier League games go, they don’t come much harder than having to face the reigning Premier League champions. But that’s the task that awaits Aston Villa when they face Liverpool at Villa Park on Sunday night.
Dean Smith rang the chances for the Carabao Cup clash against Stoke City on Thursday, and promptly saw his side crash out of the competition at the last 16 stage.
But he is likely to revert back to his strongest eleven for the Premier League encounter with Jurgen Klopp’s men. However, there may be one player who Smith should look to finally unleash: Jacob Ramsey.
The 19-year-old spent the first-half of last season playing for Villa’s youth sides, before making a loan switch to Doncaster in the January transfer window. And whilst there, the teenager made quite the impression, scoring three goals in just seven League One games.
That form would no doubt have caught Smith’s eye during pre-season back with the club, and it’s been quite telling that the youngster has already played four times with the senior side this season, including picking up an assist in the Carabao Cup victory over Bristol City.
Despite starting all three of Villa’s games in that competition, Ramsey has only been restricted to 13 minutes of Premier League football, coming on as a substitute against Fulham.
The 19-year-old has come through the academy at Villa Park, and given the way Jack Grealish has developed into a superstar and talisman for them, that same path could be trodden by Ramsey too.
The club’s academy manager said: “If he continues to match his undoubted technical ability and eye for a goal with the desire and energy to reach the next level, he will have a bright future in the game.”
All he needs is an opportunity to showcase his talent in the Premier League, and whilst it of course comes with an element of risk, Smith could be more than surprised.