Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey has outlined his ambitions for the club this season after suffering a difficult time with injuries.
The Villans have barged their way into the title conversation following two consecutive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
It’s been a record-breaking start to the season for Unai Emery’s troops and after moving to within two points of leaders Liverpool, many have questioned how long they can keep this up for.
Unlike the other teams in the title equation, Aston Villa don’t have the squad depth at their disposal to make wholesale changes to their eleven, which means any injuries to their star players could be significant.
Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is one key player they’ve been without for a lengthy period.
The 22-year-old was injured while playing for England during the U21 European Championships and subsequently kept out for 10 weeks during the summer.
He returned at the start of this season but the metatarsal issue he suffered in July resurfaced, which dealt Villa a huge injury blow.
Having recently returned to full fitness following a torrid few months out, Ramsey has highlighted what his side should be aiming for.
Jacob Ramsey outlines his target for Aston Villa this season
Ramsey, who has appeared off the bench in the last five games in all competitions, believes the club must target Champions League football this term following their tremendous start.
Speaking to the Villa News & Record [via Birmingham Mail], he said: “Right now, based on how we’re playing and the results we’re getting especially at home, our aim should be in the top four,
“If we can transfer our home form into the away fixtures, I don’t see why we can’t get top four. There are a lot of teams fighting for those Champions League spots and we’ve also got the Europa Conference League to focus on and hopefully we can reach the latter stages of that competition.”
With a trip to Zrinjski Mostar this evening, the Englishman will be hoping to make his first start of the season and force his way into Emery’s plans over the festive period.
Ramsey had an exceptional campaign in the Premier League last term having notched up 13 goal contributions, scoring six and assisting seven.
If he can get back to the form he showed at the back end of last season, the attacking midfielder – who was hailed as “outstanding” by former manager Steven Gerrard – is a weapon that Emery can unleash on their top-four rivals.
