Morgan Rogers Names Jacob Ramsey as the Best Aston Villa Player He’s Played With
In a surprising revelation, Aston Villa’s rising star Morgan Rogers has named Jacob Ramsey as the best player he’s ever shared the pitch with at the club. While many might have expected the 22-year-old forward to point to a more seasoned name like Ollie Watkins or John McGinn, Rogers’ choice of Ramsey—a fellow young talent—speaks volumes about the midfielder’s impact and the bond the two share both on and off the field.
Rogers, who joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024 for a fee that could rise to £15 million, has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young prospects. With his physicality, dribbling ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals, he’s become a key figure in Unai Emery’s squad. Yet, when asked to single out the standout teammate from his time at Villa Park, Rogers didn’t hesitate to name Ramsey, a 23-year-old academy graduate who has been with the club since he was six.
“Morgan has always been a top player,” Ramsey himself said in a recent press conference ahead of Villa’s Champions League clash with Celtic in January 2025. “The past 12 months his career has gone to the next level. He’s a top guy and we’re really close. When we were growing up he was at West Brom. He made his debut for them when he was 16, which says it all.” The mutual respect between the two is clear, and Rogers’ admiration for Ramsey highlights the midfielder’s understated brilliance.
Ramsey’s journey at Aston Villa has been one of steady progression. A product of the club’s academy, he broke into the first team in 2019 and has since become a fan favorite, often celebrated with chants of “He’s one of our own” from the Holte End. His versatility, athleticism, and technical ability have made him a vital part of Emery’s system, even if injuries have occasionally disrupted his momentum. Over the past few seasons, Ramsey has delivered standout moments—like his solo goal against Norwich in 2021 or his brace against Leeds in 2022—showcasing the potential that has long been evident to those within the club.
Rogers, meanwhile, has hit the ground running since his arrival. His hat-trick in a 4-2 Champions League win over Celtic in January 2025 earned him widespread praise, and his consistent performances have seen him rewarded with a new contract until 2030. Yet, despite his own rapid rise, Rogers sees something special in Ramsey. “If you compare our two careers, the past 12 months he has been flying,” Ramsey acknowledged, reflecting on their contrasting fortunes. “When you look at my last 12 months, I’ve probably gone downhill. Me and Morgan are close friends and I see the work he does.”
The connection between the two goes beyond the pitch. Both hailing from the Midlands—Rogers from Halesowen and Ramsey from Great Barr in Birmingham—they grew up in similar footballing circles. Rogers, a former West Brom academy player, and Ramsey, a lifelong Villan, crossed paths as youngsters, forging a friendship that has only strengthened since Rogers’ move to Villa. That bond was instrumental in Rogers’ transfer, with Ramsey playing a key role in convincing him to join. “We played them in the FA Cup; Jacob Ramsey, who I was good friends with before, phoned me after the game just asking me weird questions,” Rogers recalled in a 2024 interview. “When he said ‘Villa want to get in contact with your agent,’ it started getting realer and realer.”
On the field, their partnership has blossomed into one of Villa’s most exciting dynamics. Rogers’ powerful runs and Ramsey’s incisive movement complement each other perfectly, as evidenced in their performances together, like the FA Cup win over Tottenham in February 2025, where Ramsey scored early and Rogers sealed the victory. Pundits and fans alike have dubbed them “RnR”—a nod to their initials and the rhythm they bring to Villa’s attack.
Rogers’ choice of Ramsey over more established stars might raise eyebrows, but it’s a testament to the midfielder’s influence behind the scenes and his potential to reclaim the heights he reached earlier in his career. While Rogers has been the one grabbing headlines lately, his praise for Ramsey suggests that the best may still be yet to come for the 23-year-old. As Aston Villa continue their push in the Premier League and Champions League, the “RnR” duo could well be the heartbeat of Unai Emery’s ambitions.
For now, Rogers’ unexpected pick has sparked debate among Villa fans, but it’s hard to argue with the sentiment. Jacob Ramsey may not always steal the spotlight, but to Morgan Rogers—and perhaps to those who know him best—he’s the standout star in claret and blue.
